Manchester United’s players are certainly not poor but they are in need of a helping hand, prompting forward Robin van Persie to offer his services to aid the team understand Louis van Gaal’s tactics.
The 20-times English league champions have so far struggled in the top flight this season, notching a solitary point from two games on Sunday against Sunderland.
However Dutchman Van Gaal and compatriot Van Persie joined forces to good effect at the World Cup in Brazil and by becoming more and more familiar with the manager’s style United can achieve similar levels of success.
“I worked with him for two years, and he’s very clear,” Van Persie told the United website.
“He’s clear in what he asks of each player in the team every day. So, where I can, I will help the other players.
“I think that everyone has faith and everyone believes in the staff and players. We have great players, and it’s just a matter of time before the points will start coming in.”
Defender Chris Smalling and midfielder Ander Herrera are doubts for the game, the former coming off in the first half with a groin injury as Herrera (ankle) watched from the bench.
United can expect a similarly tough away fixture on Tuesday when they travel south to Milton Keynes to take on the MK Dons in the second round of the Capital One Cup.
The Dons are seventh in League One, with two wins from their opening four games having scored seven goals to United’s two, including a four-goal haul on the opening day of the season.
Manager Karl Robinson was delighted with the energy his players showed at the weekend in a 0-0 draw against Coventry and he is itching for a shot at United.
“This team will get better. We’ve got some good players, keep these fit and this team will be competing.
“Tuesday night is going to be a wonderful occasion for the football club.
“We’ll have to put our crash helmets on and park the bus and do all the things you have to do with the good teams.”
Main image courtesy of Jason Cairnduff/Action Images, with thanks.
