Just a few years ago Radamel Falcao was one of the best centre-forwards in the world. Even Lionel Messi had high praise for him. It was at Atletico Madrid where the Colombian, who spent two incredible years at the club, made a name for himself winning the Copa del Rey, Europa League and UEFA’s Super Cup.

In each of those two seasons Falcao scored over 30 goals and was awarded numerous individual accolades. A move to wealthy AS Monaco followed, but started what has become a period of decline for the striker who only made 22 appearances in two years and scored just 13 goals in that time. His £6million, season-long loan deal with Manchester United was the chance for Falcao to get his career back on track, but problems have persisted.

It has been revealed Colombian will not receive a permanent deal with the Red Devils, but here are five reasons why United perhaps should've taken up the opportunity to keep him at Old Trafford this summer...

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Still recovering from injury

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Falcao suffered a serious knee injury at the start of 2014. He ended up missing the rest of Monaco’s season and unfortunately for the player he was also ruled out of last summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Some have questioned if this lengthy injury is partly behind why Falcao is so unrecognisable from the man that used to blaze a trail for Atletico. If that is the case then allowing more recovery time could fix the problem and get him back to his best.

Always a team player

Manchester United Falcao Robin van Persie

If you overlook the wild shots and shortage of actual goals then you will see a player who works hard for his team.

There are lazy strikers out there whose time on the pitch consists of waiting for the right pass to take advantage of, but Falcao is not like that. The 29-year-old is always looking for space, making runs and fighting to win possession so that even if he’s not scoring he’s still putting a shift in.

Keep him from rivals

Stoke City v Manchester United - Barclays Premier League

Despite a really poor season there are daily rumours about United’s rivals putting in a bid for Falcao, with the two names mostly thrown around being Chelsea and Liverpool.

Liverpool, like United, are in a great period of transition and are in desperate need of a prolific striker. Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli were unable to fire the club into the top four due to lengthy injuries and loss of form and the Italian may even be moved on this summer.

To get the signature of Falcao, of course at a good price, and to get him back to his best would be a kick in the teeth for fierce rivals Man United which I’m sure sounds very tempting for the Reds.

Past the notoriously tough first season

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Falcao hasn’t been the only forward to find it difficult to make a positive impact in his maiden season. The most obvious comparison would be against Liverpool’s Balotelli who himself has struggled in front of goal this year.

From 16 league appearances the Italian has scored just the once with no assists while Falcao has both four goals and made four assists though he has played 346 more minutes. If Liverpool are willing to give their underachieving striker another chance to prove himself then maybe Falcao deserves one too.

Possibility of a cut-price deal

Falcao

Apparently AS Monaco are willing to send Falcao back out on loan in an attempt to get him permanently off their books.

His fee would have to dramatically fall but maybe United could arrange another loan deal. The club has proven to have more money than sense at times so why not throw some more cash Monaco’s way if they are still in two minds over whether Falcao is worth a long-term contract or not.

Another year and they’ll know for sure.