David Moyes’s tactics or Van Persie's decline? – Why the goals have dried up for reliant Robin

After his terrific debut season in Manchester, Robin van Persie seemed set to repeat his heroics when he scored two brilliant goals in United’s season opener against Swansea.

However, the Dutchman is yet to bag in open play since that game, something which is arguably a big factor in the stuttering start which David Moyes’s side have experienced.

Part of the reason for this is the lack of proper service which Van Persie has received. In the recent game against Sunderland, the passing was not of the type which the ex-Arsenal man thrives upon; there were not enough defence splitting balls through the middle for the Dutchman to run onto, neither were there deliveries to his feet where he could quickly turn and shoot.

Instead, most of the chances which the Red Devils created were from wide positions. Not exactly the sort of service the former Arsenal man thrives on.

As well as this, Van Persie has often cut an isolated figure in the United attack.

In the game against Crystal Palace, the only central player to be advanced enough in order to provide the Dutch striker with good service was Wayne Rooney – the central midfield pairing of Anderson and Michael Carrick were not pushed forward enough to help Van Persie, leaving him starved of proper service.

With only one real option for providing the 30-year-old with chances, United were left fairly predictable in attack and it was left to a penalty and free kick to win Moyes’s side the game.

Robin van Persie Action Areas v Crystal Palace

Anderson Action Areas v Crystal Palace

Also, the service which Van Persie receives from the wide area is limiting the goals which he scores. The graph below demonstrates Man Utd’s poor crossing against Sunderland, making it very difficult for Van Persie to get on the scoresheet.

They completed just three of 30 attempted crosses, an exceptionally poor conversion rate, and this is another reason why the Dutch striker has not scored in open play since the first game of the season.

Manchester United attempted 24 crosses against Sunderland but only three were completed

There is a range of factors which have combined to make it very difficult for Van Persie to score; United’s tactics, combined with some poor skills demonstrated by the key players in Moyes’ team, have isolated the Dutchman.

However, the striker’s profligacy cannot be ignored – against Crystal Palace he had five shots and converted only one, which was a penalty. This is in stark contrast to the ruthlessness which he demonstrated last season and must be considered a factor in his relative goal drought.

Moyes must adapt United’s tactics in order to effectively utilise arguably the most talented player in his squad – a central midfielder must be pushed further forward in order to take advantage of Van Persie’s terrific abilities.

However, some responsibility must be given to United’s players – the wingers’ crossing has to be more accurate, whilst Van Persie himself has to find his shooting boots once more.