Robin van Persie backs his firing power

Robin van Persie latches onto the ball to score at St Marys’ last Monday

It was meant more in honesty than in disdain, intended to galavanise and not psychologically harm Robin van Persie, Manchester United’s misfiring striker. The Dutchman had been struggling to replicate the form which he had graced Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2012/13 Premier League winning side. The goals did not come as easily as before, deprived of the invisible goal-scoring wand. The critics encircled Van Persie, with speculation rife of a dispute with his manager.

Van Gaal was not pleased, understandable for a manager who demands high standards. United had won at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, recording their first away victory of the season, in late November but the Dutchman’s elation was tempered by Van Persie’s apathetic display in familiar surroundings. His striker had been effectively contained by Per Mertesacker and a make-shift centre-half in Nacho Monreal, failing to lead United’s line, failing to assert the impact he would so dearly have wished to upon his former club. He had failed to silence the boos and offensive chants which emanated from the terraces. His colleagues had, but he had not.

Van Gaal’s honesty reaps virtues

If there is an attribute which enriches Van Gaal’s managerial demeanour and fine-tunes his teams, then it is his brutal honesty. He and Van Persie had spent the duration of the World Cup in Brazil together, striving to reach the semi-finals. Much had been made of their cordial relationship, the type so dearly associated with Van Gaal. The duo had enjoyed a post-World Cup vacation with their respective families and their friendship was patently evident. But Van Gaal’s demeanour is unerring, applying to all whom he encounters professionally. He sighted an opportunity to invigorate Van Persie, to replenish his season thus far. Friends or not, Van Gaal knew he was better than he had shown himself to be.

Perhaps Van Persie sensed betrayal and a dearth of faith. Or perhaps he sensed the need to back his firing power.

The Dutchman claimed his striker’s confidence was low, that the “bad game” at the Emirates had taken a detrimental toll on Van Persie. He scrutinised Van Persie’s contribution, stating that 13 touches was not enough for a striker. He insisted his striker needed a “special goal” to regain his tenacity and élan.

RVP back to his best

Sure enough, it would come. The Dutchman is adept at recovering from set-backs, from injury and criticism. His response was exactly what Van Gaal had hoped it would be, a show of resilience and determination against Hull City at Old Trafford. The “special goal” arrived majestically, an unstoppable left-foot rocket into the top left-hand corner.

His form continued its rise at St Marys’ on Monday evening, his vital brace securing three critical points for United in the Premier League. He is feeling “strong” prior to Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday. Van Persie is ready for the English ‘Clasico’.

This was the RVP of old, complete with the work ethic, awareness and potency. He relentlessy harried the Southampton defence, representing the forward menace Van Gaal so dearly reveres. His first goal embodied his return to form and peak fitness, the awareness to intercept Jose Fonte’s inadvertent short back-pass and the composure to finish coolly through Fraser Forster’s parted legs.

The second was equally impressive, controlling the ball with an incredible touch as he lept above the Southampton defence. The principal conclusion to draw from the aforementioned victory, if anything, was Van Persie’s return to his best.

A reward for backing his firing power