Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has told Robin van Persie that he needs to adapt to his training methods if he wants to stay at the club, reports the Daily Mail.
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The Dutchman managed just ten goals in 29 games last season, and also suffered from a few injury problems. As a result the 31-year-old’s manager has told him to shape up if he wants to stay past the end of his contract. His current deal ends next summer, and at his age it could be his final year at the top of the game.
Van Gaal has doubts over the striker’s ability to play at the highest level for much longer, especially with his emphasis on fitness. This is despite making van Persie his captain while in charge of the Netherlands national team just last year.
One place that the forward could still fit in is Italy, where the game is far slower. Juventus have been linked with a move for him by ESPN, and with Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo showing how well older players can do there in the last campaign it could be a good fit.
However, there is still a chance that the former Arsenal man could prove himself to his new manager. The United boss knows he will have to buy two players if the ageing striker leaves, and as such is willing to give his player every chance to get back to his best.