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Robin van Persie, also known as the ‘Flying Dutchman’, after his goal against the Spain at the 2014 World Cup, joined Manchester United in 2012 at the age of 29 for a fee of 24 million pounds, signing a 4 year deal.He propelled Manchester United to the league title in 2012/13 justifying his hefty 24mn price tag for a 29 year old. However, his form has taken a dip after that highly successful season.The once prolific goalscorer is currently struggling for form and is on the verge of being dropped from the united starting line up. Here are 5 reasons why he is turning into a liability for the club:
#1 Age
The phrase “Old is Gold” does not suit Robin van Persie. At the age of 31, he is now fast approaching the end of his career as well as his contract with Manchester United. It is evident from his play that his movements have become quite slow and his pace has also considerably reduced.
In a league dominated by physical play, it is necessary for a striker playing for one of the top clubs in the country to be quick and sharp. Unfortunately, Van Persie has been consistent and free of injuries only in the last few seasons. His best playing years have come towards the end of his career, and from what we have seen so far, the end might be near.
#2 Drop in performance
Van Persie set the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ on fire in his debut season for the club. After that stellar season, he had an injury-plagued following season, and has not been able to score at the same rate. His goals to appearances ratio does reflect the fact that his performances have gone down a level.
Season | Appearances | Goals |
2012/13 | 48 | 30 |
2013/14 | 28 | 18 |
2014/15 | 8 | 3 |
The striker’s form lately has dipped to new lows, with his fitness levels too at an all time low. Louis van Gaal has placed a lot of faith in him, but he has failed to live up to the manager’s lofty expectations.
#3 Massive Wages
Sir Alex Ferguson was an admirer of the former Arsenal striker and instructed the club management to buy him at any cost, which helped United in winning back the league title which they had lost to their noisy neigbours in 2012. Van Persie joined United in a 4-year deal with weekly wages of 250,000 pounds in the summer of 2012. A few people have argued that a transfer fee of 24 million pounds, coupled with his weekly wages of 250,000 pounds, is fairly excessive for a 31 year old.
His yearly salary amounts to 13 million pounds, which can be invested in other areas of the club such as the defence, which is in severe need of a revamp. Getting a non-performing asset off the wage bill will surely help United improve their finances.
#4 Not the lone star in the galaxy
Van Persie was always the main target man when he played for Arsenal and thrived in such situations. He was still the main striker in his debut season for United and perfomed for the club in nearly every match.
A change in management and the arrival of new superstars like Angel Di Maria and Falcao have seen Van persie fall from the limelight. Although he has been started in almost all matches by Louis van Gaal, he is no longer United’s go to man. With Rooney being named as club captain and Darren Fletcher his deputy, Van Persie has not been good enough for some time now and has lost confidence.
#5 The strike-force lacks pace
Manchester United have had a change in management this season, with Louis van Gaal taking over the side. There have been some major changes at the club in terms of transfer dealings. He considers Robin van Persie to be his main striker, and prefers him playing right up top.
Juan Mata, who was bought for 37 million pounds, has been left on the bench to accomodate the experienced duo of Van Persie and Falcao up-front with Rooney playing in the hole behind the strikers.
Following Falcao’s arrival, Welbeck was sold to Arsenal, while youth product James Wilson, who is a promising talent, has been a consistent part of the squad, and has replaced the Dutchman on more than one occasion this season. The lack of pace and agility upfront for United has also been evident from the recent matches against the top Premier League sides.
With Van Persie the primary striker, the United attack has exhibited a genuine lack of pace, which has affected the club’s overall style of play.
