Louis van Gaal has told Manchester United striker Robin van Persie that he must fight his way back into the first team after recovering from injury.
Van Persie last played for the Red Devils back in February against Swansea City, where he picked up an injury niggle that has kept him out of action. He was however on the bench for Manchester United's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend.
And Van Gaal feels that Van Persie still has work to do to prove his fitness in the reserves before then battling to convince him he is worthy of a first team spot.
The veteran manager explained at a press conference this afternoon: "Yes, he has to train very hard, play in the second team.
"He has to show his qualities again", Van Gaal continued.
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"Then I have to compare him with the positions he can play, with the players that play in that position – it is always the same."
Against Chelsea, Van Gaal dropped Wayne Rooney into midfield and played Radamel Falcao the side's striking option, though the Colombian failed to score.
The Manchester United boss has been fielding Rooney in attack, but was forced to change his position due to a number of injuries.
Manchester United are next in action this weekend when they face Everton at Goodison Park.
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