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Manchester United loan star Radamel Falcao fails to shine for U21s

Radamel Falcao
Image: Radamel Falcao: Failed to make an impact for the U21s

Manchester United loan star Radamel Falcao was upstaged by defender Rafael when turning out for the U21s in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old Colombia striker, who United paid Monaco a reported £6m to sign until the end of the season with the option of a £43.5m permanent deal in the summer, struggled to make an impact in the top-of-the-table clash against Ugo Ehiogu's men and was eventually substituted for Josh Harrop after 72 minutes.

Radamel Falcao
Image: Falcao in action for United's U21s against Spurs at an empty Old Trafford

Falcao has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular at Old Trafford, manager Louis van Gaal often preferring to pair club captain Wayne Rooney with Robin van Persie in attack.

The former Porto and Atletico Madrid star has managed just four goals in 20 appearances since arriving in England and spent the entirety of Monday's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal on the substitutes' bench.

Radamel Falcao of Manchester United U21s reacts to being substituted during the match against Tottenham
Image: Falcao was hooked after 72 minutes at the Theatre of Dreams

With Van Gaal hoping to maintain or improve Falcao's fitness levels and match sharpness, the forward turned out for the U21s alongside the likes of James Wilson and Victor Valdes but it was fellow first-teamer Rafael who came up with a moment to savour.

The Brazilian full-back sent an inch-perfect chip over Luke McGee from long distance to level things up on 32 minutes after Republic of Ireland youngster Kenny McEvoy had fired Spurs into the lead.

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