Van Gaal: Van Persie has to "show his qualities" before Man Utd return

Posted Saturday, April 25, 2015 by squawka.com

Van Gaal: Van Persie has to

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned Robin van Persie that he is not assured of a place in the Red Devils' starting line up, according to the club's official website.

The 31-year-old striker has endured a difficult campaign individually this term as both form and fitness have limited his impact on United's front line.

The Dutchman has missed all seven of the club's most recent Premier League fixtures through injury, which coincided with the side's best form of the season.

Meanwhile, United's six-game winning streak was brought to an end by Chelsea last weekend, but the Old Trafford outfit remain on course to secure a top-four finish.

Van Persie is now in contention to feature in this weekend trip to Goodison Park, but Van Gaal has warned his compatriot that he will not walk straight back into the starting line up.

No special treatment will be awarded to the forward, he will have to prove his worth to his manager all over again: "He has to train very hard, play in the second team," Van Gaal declared.

"He has to show his qualities again. Then I have to compare him with the positions he can play, with the players that play in that position - it is always the same," he insisted.

United were accused of having a top-heavy side at the start of the season, which culminated in Danny Welbeck's move to Arsenal, but the indifferent form that has been endured by both Van Persie and Radamel Falcao have proved that their options are far from formidable.

Both players are not only no longer assured of a place in Van Gaal's side, but also his squad. Changes are expected this summer and either of the pair may be moved on to free up space for new recruits.