Manchester United: Antonio Valencia posts 'Thank You' message to Radamel Falcao hinting at striker's exit

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has hinted at striker Radamel Falcao imminent departure from the club after posting a 'thank you' message on photo-sharing website Instagram.

The Colombian striker, who is on a season-long loan from Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, has had a difficult campaign at Old Trafford, where he has struggled for form and fitness.

United have an option of making the deal permanent, but his return of four goals and four assists from 26 appearances in the Premier League is unlikely to convince the Red Devils' hierarchy to shell out a reported £43m to sign the forward.

Louis van Gaal has had to rely on Wayne Rooney and his midfielders for goals this season with Robin van Persie also struggling for form during the course of the campaign and only contributing with 10 goals all season.

The Dutch manager has already begun addressing the issue of a lack of goals by signing Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven and is likely to sign a new forward in the summer.

"Tiger thanks for your friendship, being the person that you are great companion. We love you brother," Valencia wrote on his Instagram post with the striker.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal has praised skipper Wayne Rooney and has expressed his delight with regards to the striker's behaviour on and off the pitch.

"He's a very good captain, I am very proud. I don't have any disappointment this year with him. He's great in the dressing room and an example on the training pitch," Van Gaal said, as quoted on United's official site.

"When we play a match he shall always fight until the end. He has played a lot of positions for me, without complaining," the former Bayern Munich manager added.