Radamel Falcao has had plenty of criticism for his disastrous loan spell at Manchester United and now his own mother says he has gone backwards and could leave this summer.

The Colombian striker has scored just four times in 28 appearances since his summer move from Monaco and it is widely expected that Louis van Gaal will not take up the option of a permanent deal.

And after a season that has damaged his reputation as one of Europe's most potent strikers, the latest panning for his United form has come from his harshest critic: his mother.

Carmenza Zarate admitted that her son is unhappy at Old Trafford but urged him to respect Van Gaal's decisions that have seen him complete a full 90 minutes just five times in United colours.

The 29-year-old has had a tough 16 months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2014 that ruled him out of the World Cup.

'Not everything has been easy in Falcao's life,' she said. 'He had some difficult moments in his career. They slowed his progress and prevented him from participating in important competitions like the World Cup, or have confined him to the bench, like in Manchester.


'I often remind him that after a test or a difficulty blessings arrive. We hope for bigger and better things. God hasn't abandoned us and my son will become again what he has been, a goalscorer.'

Falcao came on as a half-time substitute in United's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday but he has not started since a poor showing in last month's defeat by Chelsea.

'Even if he's unhappy not to be in the starting XI, he has to accept the coach's decisions,' Zarate told El Espectador.

It's not a normal situation given what he has experienced in his career, but it happens in football. If God shows him a new path, he'll leave Manchester.'