When it rains, it pours.
Right now, Manchester United’s fans will be feeling pretty sorry for themselves as the festive season arrives. Here’s another reason why festive cheers will be on short supply at Old Trafford this year: no Robin van Persie.
After struggling through recent games with a knock and United leaning on him heavily in the absence of an injured Wayne Rooney, RVP will now miss at least four weeks of action and be on the sidelines for up to eight games after damaging his thigh.
United been increasingly dependent on van Persie as they’ve struggled through the league this season but it’s been evident to most that the Dutchman -- who scored 30 goals in 48 games last season in his debut campaign for United to help them win the PL title -- hasn’t been moving freely for quite some time despite scoring 10 goals in all competitions so far.
In the recent 1-0 loss at home to Newcastle last Saturday, United’s under-fire manager David Moyes called over to RVP with 20 minutes left and asked if he was ‘okay to continue’ and RVP nodded, reluctantly.
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United had nobody else to turn to with Rooney out and other forwards out of form, while RVO had only just returned from four games out himself. It seems as though that rash decision to stay on the field longer than he should have in his comeback game has caused van Persie’s injury problems to worsen.
His all action displays of explosive power have gone missing and many were left questioning if RVP’s lack of desire to play for the Red Devils was the real reason for his lackluster displays. Some reports suggested he’d handed in a transfer request but now we know the real reason.
The injury is another massive blow to United who aim to use the heavy slate of games over the Christmas and New Year period to catapult themselves back into the top four. Currently they’re languishing in ninth spot and are 13 points behind league-leaders Arsenal.
It would be a lot easier to make a roaring comeback between now and the New Year with RVP on board, but United will have to do without.
With his injury, RVP will at least miss the following games: a trip to Aston Villa this weekend, United’s home tie against West Ham on Dec. 21, a match away at Hull City on Boxing Day, the trip to Norwich City on Dec. 28, a home clash with Tottenham on New Years Day and another home match with Swansea on Jan. 11.