Amid several murmurings that the Red Devils striker faces being left out of Manchester United’s future plans under Louis van Gaal next season, 31-year-old Robin van Persie isn’t exactly as widely revered around Old Trafford as he was just a few seasons back.
Before the talismanic No. 20 was ruled out for a lengthy spell on the side-lines with an ankle injury this term, Van Persie could simply do no wrong in the Premier League. He proved to be one of the major contributors behind United’s last league trophy success and seemingly won the world over as perhaps the best centre-forward European football had to offer.
In the wake of his latest injury, however, Manchester United have somewhat pushed on without their classy Dutchman on board – and have maybe even looked an all-round stronger unit as a result of his absence.
So, even if the former Gunners hero eventually returns to full fitness with a point to prove for Louis van Gaal next season, does Robin van Persie still have a meaningful future at Manchester United?
At the not so prime age of 31-years-old, perhaps it would be wise to say no, van Persie’s days in the ever-desired Red Devils shirt seem to be fast approaching their end. Obviously such a statement can be said a great deal easier when the player himself is currently injured and not out on the pitch doing his thing, but ultimately Premier League football doesn’t stop for anybody in today’s era – even those who used to boss proceedings in their pomp.
Back when he first emerged under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, and even in his debut season for Manchester United, the Feyenoord graduate was pretty much untouchable. He had the intelligence and vision necessary to make it at the top, a confidence in front of goal that just isn’t found easily in the modern game – and with a vast array of elegance and technical skill frequently on offer from the Dutch international – Robin van Persie went down as an entertainer as well as a successful goal-scorer.
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His left foot was, and still likely is to a large degree, capable of wondrous feats. In true Marco van Basten style, the former Gunners man would take on shots from ridiculous angles, yet often came out on top as a result of his wild ambition. Van Persie just scores great goals for fun, so even if Manchester United decide to cash in on their star man in the summer, that notion won’t just up and disappear any time soon.
However, whether or not the technically gifted striker could still do the business at Old Trafford next season still remains questionable at best.
The Dutchman just seems to have lost his mojo somewhat under Louis van Gaal in 2014/15. Yes, injuries definitely haven’t helped, yes the manager’s team selections have been a bit all over the place and not left much room for momentum to grow, but in the end Robin van Persie still hasn’t been at his very best for a while now, even alongside some of the most high profile talent money can buy.
Perhaps he was somewhat sold short by Sir Alex Ferguson back when he first arrived at the club. The Scotsman’s retirement and the subsequent appointment of David Moyes were probably not in Van Persie’s thoughts when he initially joined up with the Red Devils, So while his most recent form has certainly been somewhat disappointing of late, it could be fair to suggest that the striker never expected to find himself in the scenario he is now.
Quite clearly he should have just stayed at the Emirates all along then. Despite the fact that he has now successfully won the illustrious Premier League title that so eluded him and his Gunners teammates at Arsenal, if van Persie had ultimately stayed loyal to Wenger, he would still have a place to call home now – in this somewhat stagnant and directionless period of his career.
As the deadly No. 20 might just be available for the upcoming Manchester derby however, maybe the perfect opportunity to re-ignite his hero status in the Premier League is waiting just around the corner for the ever talked about Robin van Persie.
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