Manchester United supporters will always be grateful for the 26 goals Robin van Persie scored to help the Red Devils clinch their 20th title in 2013, but they can’t deny that since that productive season the Dutchman has been in sharp decline.
In just two years Van Persie has transformed from a prolific striker capable of putting fear into an opposition’s defence, in to a player on the periphery who has been plagued by both loss of form and reoccurring injuries.
Most expect the 31-year-old to leave Old Trafford this summer, with offers sure to come from a few decent European clubs, as although Van Persie may not be good enough to regularly start for United anymore, he could still be influential at a smaller club. Alternatively, like many former great players whose careers are coming to an end, Van Persie could choose a move across the pond to America’s MLS.
But reports are that the Netherlands international and his family have made a happy life for themselves in Cheshire, with their children settled in a nearby school.
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Rather than uproot his family in search of a new challenge the answer could be for Van Persie to just stay put. This option wouldn’t be available to just anyone but considering that the forward has had a good relationship with manager Louis van Gaal for many years, he may just be able to see out his final contracted year before negotiating a shock renewal.
Van Persie needs to convince his fellow countryman that his skills and experience will make him the ideal second-choice striker for United in a similar way to how Didier Drogba is for Chelsea. The 37-year-old Ivorian returned to play under Jose Mourinho this season and has been used effectively as a super sub.
His addition to the squad was particularly useful when strikers Diego Costa and Loic Remy were both unavailable through injury. Drogba hasn’t exactly lit up the league but he has still created chances and will on May 24th receive a Premier League winner’s medal for helping the Blues wrap up their fourth title.
Currently United have Van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez all on their books but Hernandez, who has spent the last year trying to prove himself at Real Madrid, is likely to take a permanent contract elsewhere and Falcao understandably only has the slightest of chances of still being a Red Devil next season.
Fortunately United have announced the highly anticipated signing of PSV Eindhoven’s Memphis Depay for around £25million. The 21-year-old has scored 21 league goals for the Dutch club this season, who for the first time in seven seasons were recently crowned Eridivisie champions.
The stage could be set for Depay to take the principal centre forward role on a regular basis with Van Persie playing back-up as a substitute and main striker for Cup fixtures. With this type of set-up then captain Wayne Rooney would be able to sit deeper as though he has a good eye for goal, he is not exactly prolific enough to be solely relied upon.
Robin Van Persie still has a lot to give to United both on and off the pitch and with the club hopefully back in the Champions League next season, then there’ll be plenty of opportunities for the Dutchman to impress and perhaps even win his place back into the starting XI.
But first he must convince Van Gaal that he is worth the hassle.
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