When you’re in a crisis, this man can help out.
Robin van Persie hasn’t started the past three games through injury, and came off the bench against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday at Old Trafford to try and capture a point.
That’s how bad things have got for Manchester United. But on Wednesday night in the Eastern reaches of Ukraine, United’s main man should be fit and ready to fire from the start. Which is exactly what David Moyes needs.
“Yes, Robin is fit,” Moyes said ahead of the game. “But we will make a decision on Wednesday whether we start him or not.”
There’s no doubt about it, if RVP does start in the clash against the Ukrainian champion, then he can help United dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in right now. Of course, a second-straight win in Group A of the Champions League will see the Red Devils move a long way towards securing their spot in the knockout stages.
But van Persie’s inclusion is vital, and Moyes raved about the quality the 31-year-old Dutchman possesses.
“He’s as good as anybody I have seen,” Moyes said. “His movement and his football sense on the pitch are fantastic in terms of the positions he picks up. And he is a great goalscorer, [capable of] scoring all different types of goals.”
With Wayne Rooney scoring twice in Van Persie’s absence, United’s preferred forward line needs to be back in action against a stubborn Shakhtar side who are very good at home. In fact, Donetsk have won all three of their previous UCL home games against English opposition, beating Arsenal in 2001 and 2010, and defeating Chelsea in 2012. Following three defeats from their opening six league games this season, Shakhtar must be licking their lips in anticipation of facing a beleaguered Red Devils outfit. But RVP’s return will give everyone a boost, and his partnership with Rooney will be critical on Wednesday.
The Donbass Arena is a fortress in Eastern European soccer, can United, Moyes ans most importantly RVP do the business to keep United’s good start, in the Champions League at least, going?