Van Persie’s actions will speak louder than words tomorrow
Van Persie has not lost his form but, if he is ineffective, he may be replaced in the second half. Photo: Getty Images
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We know that Robin van Persie loves playing against Liverpool, but does he still love playing for Manchester United? We may get some answers in tomorrow night’s big game at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Dutchman has been quoted in tomorrow’s match programme as claiming he is very happy under the new regime, enjoying his time at Old Trafford, and that he wishes to stay at the club for the rest of his career. However, rumours persist that last season’s top scorer is growing more despondent about United’s deterioration under David Moyes.
Visibly unhappy about not being allowed to manage his fitness, frustrated by a lack of creativity around him and exasperated at the prospect of sitting out next season’s Champions League, the 30-year-old’s recent body language has been more transparent — and telling — than the interview he has conducted with the club’s media department. It is clear that the Dutchman is not a happy chap at the moment.
With four goals in his last seven outings, van Persie certainly is not out of form. His ruthlessness in front of goal remains, even if he has not looked like hitting the heights that snared him 30 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Bagging six goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Liverpool also suggests they are one of his “lucky” teams, but is his head in the right place for this game?
Moyes was forced to substitute the tetchy frontman before he was sent off at West Brom last weekend. The cool, smiling van Persie, who so delighted in working with Alex Ferguson last season, has disappeared, replaced instead by the very picture of irritation.
Danny Welbeck’s fine goal late in that game has led to debate as to whether he would be picked ahead of the former Arsenal star but, in a match of this magnitude, I cannot see Moyes being brave enough to leave his main man on the bench. If van Persie is ineffective and looking sulky though, do not be surprised to see a change early in the second half.
With home advantage, United, who are under pressure, will just about start as the bookies’ favourites. However, based on what we have seen of the two sides this season, they will have their work cut out to take all three points.
Liverpool trailed their bitter rivals by 28 points last season but, currently, are 11 ahead. It has been an unbelievable change in fortunes.
Frighteningly dangerous on the break, thanks to the speed and invention of Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez (they have six counter-attack goals this season; United have none), Liverpool possess all the tools they need to destroy the reigning champions, should they leave holes in defence.
The Dutchman has been quoted in tomorrow’s match programme as claiming he is very happy under the new regime, enjoying his time at Old Trafford, and that he wishes to stay at the club for the rest of his career. However, rumours persist that last season’s top scorer is growing more despondent about United’s deterioration under David Moyes.
With four goals in his last seven outings, van Persie certainly is not out of form. His ruthlessness in front of goal remains, even if he has not looked like hitting the heights that snared him 30 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Bagging six goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Liverpool also suggests they are one of his “lucky” teams, but is his head in the right place for this game?
Moyes was forced to substitute the tetchy frontman before he was sent off at West Brom last weekend. The cool, smiling van Persie, who so delighted in working with Alex Ferguson last season, has disappeared, replaced instead by the very picture of irritation.
Danny Welbeck’s fine goal late in that game has led to debate as to whether he would be picked ahead of the former Arsenal star but, in a match of this magnitude, I cannot see Moyes being brave enough to leave his main man on the bench. If van Persie is ineffective and looking sulky though, do not be surprised to see a change early in the second half.
With home advantage, United, who are under pressure, will just about start as the bookies’ favourites. However, based on what we have seen of the two sides this season, they will have their work cut out to take all three points.
Liverpool trailed their bitter rivals by 28 points last season but, currently, are 11 ahead. It has been an unbelievable change in fortunes.
Frighteningly dangerous on the break, thanks to the speed and invention of Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez (they have six counter-attack goals this season; United have none), Liverpool possess all the tools they need to destroy the reigning champions, should they leave holes in defence.
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