Friday, 31st January, 2014
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville feels that the return to fitness of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney will be a huge boost for his old club.
Van Persie and Rooney both played in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Cardiff in midweek, although not at the same time as Rooney replaced Van Persie in the second half.
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Nevertheless, the pair being back in action was greeted warmly by the Old Trafford faithful and Neville does not underestimate its significance.
"One of the biggest difficulties has been the absence of our two most clinical, ruthless players in attacking areas, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney", he wrote in United Review.
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"They have played nine times together this season and we won seven of those games and drew two.
"They give Manchester United a cutting edge and firepower and the concerns that everybody has at the moment will be alleviated once they return.
"They will give confidence to the rest of the squad, and the important thing now is that they dig in and push forward for the rest of the season and try to deliver the level of performance that they’re capable of as players."
It remains to be seen if boss David Moyes will field the pair at the same time this coming weekend, when Manchester United visit Stoke in a Premier League clash.
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