Robin van Persie's ankle injury to be a major setback for Manchester United

Monday’s reports will determine the duration of Van Persie’s return to action

Robin van Persie was taken off the field during the match against the Saints yesterday. At the post-match conference, Louis van Gaal confirmed that it was an ankle injury.Van Persie was replaced by Ander Herrera in the 60th minute.

Later in the match, Luke Shaw and Angel Di Maria were also substituted, but Louis van Gaal confirmed that their exit was not the result of any injury. He said, “Shaw was not injured but he needs match rhythm”.

He justified Di Maria’s substitution with a similar reason. Van Gaal added, “Also Di Maria, he is not injured but he needs match rhythm. That is why I had to change”.

“Of course, we have players who are coming back, but then we also need match rhythm. It is not so simple to play in the Premier League, so I have to adapt to the circumstances."

Manchester United are now anxiously waiting for Van Persie’s scan reports as losing him now could be catastrophic. As suggested by incoming reports, the Dutch International will miss out on Ballon d’ Or Ceremony, where he has been nominated for the category of “Goal of the Year”. The nomination was made keeping in mind Van Persie’s diving header against Spain in the 2014 World Cup.