Report: Preston North End outing secured Radamel Falcao's fate at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal reportedly made a decision on Radamel Falcao's future during Manchester United's recent FA Cup tie away at Preston North End.

The Colombian is currently at Old Trafford on a season-long deal from Monaco, with United holding the right to sign him on a permanent basis for £43m in the summer.

However, the 29-year-old has struggled for form, having scored just four goals in his 20 appearances.

Van Gaal has so far refused to publicly discuss the matter, but according to French publication L'Equipe, the United boss finally decided against signing Falcao following a goalless outing against League One side Preston last month.

At Deepdale, Falcao was substituted after an hour and without him United went on to win 3-1.