Sunday, 31st August, 2014
Louis van Gaal has conceded that he has no choice but to play Robin van Persie in competitive matches to build up his fitness after his post-World Cup break.
Due to Holland’s progress deep into the World Cup, the Dutch international missed Manchester United’s pre-season preparations and was also ruled out of their first league game against Swansea.
The former Bayern Munich manager is hoping that by playing Van Persie in competitive league fixtures he can help the Dutch striker to attain match fitness as soon as possible.
"He played 60 minutes in his first game back and 70 minutes today, so I think it’s a case of building up his game time", Van Gaal told the club’s official site.
Van Gaal bemoaned the fact that Van Persie had to join the squad late because of the World Cup which denied him from taking part in the pre-season fixtures.
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He further added that he has no option but to play the striker to build up his fitness for the rest of the season.
"It's frustrating, but it’s part of the world of football, because of the World Cup.
“It’s a pity, but we have to do it because otherwise he wouldn’t be fit for the season."
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