Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has revealed that the club were always aware of Radamel Falcao's injury problems when they signed him on loan earlier this year.

Van Gaal also admits that the reason they only signed Falcao on loan and didn't buy him was his fitness problems.

When speaking to reporters about the 28-year-old's injuries, the Dutchman said: "Do you think that we expected he would be so many weeks injured?"

"Because of that [injury] maybe we didn't buy him and we've said that already."

The Colombian has made just five appearances for the Red Devils since joining the club in September.

The striker was set for a return to action this weekend but has since been ruled out with a new injury and will miss the Arsenal game this weekend.