Has injury to this star jeopardised his chances at Manchester United?
When Manchester United striker Robin van Persie left the field against Swansea after picking up an ankle injury, things looked ominous for the Red Devils.
United slumped to a 2-1 defeat in Wales that day, as the Swans recorded a memorable double over Louis van Gaal’s side leaving their hopes of securing Champions League qualification in some doubt.
Still struggling for form and with one of their most influential players out of action, not many could have foreseen the run that United would put together from that moment on, but the turnaround has been incredible.
Six straight league wins has not only put the reds within touching distance of a return to the Champions League but has also seen them leapfrog rivals Manchester City and move to within a point of second place.
And while at first Van Persie’s injury was seen as a blow to United, unfortunately for the striker his spell on the sidelines has actually proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Van Gaal’s side have picked some fantastic results in recent weeks with impressive victories over the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and most recently Manchester City. Even more impressive has been their performances in these games with the manner of victory a huge positive given their struggles earlier on in the season.
12 goals in the process have put to bed their problems in front of goal, with United finding a way to cope without the underperforming duo Radamel Falcao and Van Persie.
Prior to his injury Van Persie was considered the main man upfront for the Red Devils, although is form and fitness had been brought into question following some below par displays.
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There were calls for him to be dropped from the side, but luckily for Van Gaal the injury to the Dutchman forced his hand and there was no need to upset one of his star players.
The problem Van Persie now faces however as he nears a return to action, is that their might no longer be a place for him in the side given how well they have coped without him.
Wayne Rooney has taken centre stage in attack leading the line brilliantly and forming a tremendous partnership with the likes of Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young. These four have been pivotal to the club’s success over recent weeks and on current form they can’t be dropped.
Not long ago it would have been unthinkable to say this, but United have actually improved since Van Persie has been out of the side, and as a consequence the future of the United forward is now in some doubt.
The Dutchman continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, and while this would have unimaginable a few months ago, it’s now a possibility that won’t trouble many United fans who have seen just how well the side can cope in his absence.
It’s clear he is still a world class forward and on his day can prove a match winner. His lack of form and fitness can probably be attributed to a long summer which saw him feature heavily in Holland’s World Cup campaign.
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Given a full pre-season to rest and recuperate it would be no surprise to see him return to his best, an outcome that would surely benefit the team given the extra European games they will need to accommodate in their season.
But while he still has a big part to play at Old Trafford, the last few weeks mean he is not considered as important as he once was and the side have shown they can cope more than adequately without him.
Does a fully fit Van Persie make it into United’s starting 11? On current form you’d have to say it’s unlikely.
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