United boss explains controversial decision.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has explained his decision to take off Robin van Persie in last weekend’s victory away to his old club Arsenal, BBC Sport reports.
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The Dutch striker had a notably poor game at the Emirates Stadium, getting only thirteen touches of the ball in the entire match before being replaced by youngster James Wilson.
It is also expected that van Persie could now lose his place in the starting lineup to Radamel Falcao, who is set to return to the first-team picture after a spell out through injury.
The Colombian international, at Old Trafford on a season-long loan deal from AS Monaco, has not been at his best this season either, but things don’t look good for van Persie after his manager slammed his ‘very bad’ performance against Arsenal.
The former Netherlands coach is not known for mincing his words, and has hinted strongly that the 31-year-old will have to improve his game if he wants to get back into the side, though he admitted as well that the player is currently low on confidence due to a shortage of goals in recent times.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s game against Hull City, van Gaal said: “You can count his touches on the ball and 13 is few for a striker.
“You know how strikers are. They feel they have to score goals.
“But more important is how he is playing. It was a very bad game for him. That is why I changed him.”