Premier League: Man Utd Manager Van Gaal Not Alarmed With Robin Van Persie's Recent Struggle

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal appeared unalarmed amid recent struggle by striker Robin van Persie.

The 31-year-old Dutchman failed to make an impact against his former team, Arsenal, last Sunday (AEST), and was subbed off fifteen minutes before time. Nevertheless, the former FC Barcelona overseer pointed out that what matters to him is his squad's overall performance over individual difficulties.

"I do think 13 is few for a striker. I want to improve that. You can count his touches on the ball but more important is how he is playing," said Van Gaal.

"It was a very bad game for him. That is why I changed him. When I change a player, it is not because he is the best player on the pitch. You are doing something wrong. I believe in the players. When I change them, normally, it is because they are doing something not good in their performance."

"When you pick up this match it is easy to put a question about 13 touches. Okay. But strikers do not touch the ball often. That is their profession."

"Now I have a surprise for you. I had an international striker, Mario Gomez. He touched the ball nine times during Bayern Munich matches in my time."

"You know how strikers are. They have to score goals. They feel like that. It is not that I am asking that. I have said they have to be an attacking point and help our team in the third and fourth phase. For me, it is not important who scores. The team has to score."

The Red Devils escaped with a victory courtesy of an own goal by Gunners defender Kieran Gibbs and an 85th minute strike by captain Wayne Rooney.

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