Former Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has insisted that manager Louis van Gaal is to blame for Radamel Falcao's lack of goals this season.

The Colombian, who arrived at Old Trafford on a season-long loan deal from Monaco in August, has scored just four times in his 19 appearances in all competitions.

However, Parker believes that the 29-year-old's struggles are the fault of Van Gaal and the playing style that he has implemented since taking charge last summer.

"I think he's given everything trying to make it work. He's desperate to play well. He'll be more aware of anyone that this is a huge chance for him at United," Parker wrote in his Eurosport column.

"He's lucky if he gets more than a couple of openings a game. Whenever he does get the ball, he's surrounded by defenders bearing down on him, while his teammates are all well covered.

"It all boils down to Louis van Gaal. United's boss is a proven winner in the past, but he seems to believe that the key to that was a team structure which crushes the life out of player after player."

Parker then went on to claim that Falcao would be a "great" signing for United's Premier League rivals Arsenal.

"Stick him up front at a team like Arsenal, who play at tempo and create a steady stream of chances constantly, and I really believe that he'd look great," he added.

"In fact, whoever gets him next will probably end up with a fantastic bargain because none of this is his fault."

Earlier today, another ex-United defender - Clayton Blackmore - told Sports Mole that the club should be looking to sign the centre-forward on a permanent basis.