Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Robin van Persie has dropped down in the pecking order of his penalty takers.

Van Persie fluffed his lines against West Brom on Saturday when Manchester United were awarded a penalty at a very crucial stage of the match at Old Trafford.




A goal would have levelled the scores and would have allowed them to salvage at least a point from a match they dominated from start to finish.

The 1-0 loss has put even more pressure on Manchester United in the top four race and though they continue to remain in contention, the gap with Liverpool in fifth has been narrowed down to just four points.
 


Van Gaal said that Van Persie has dropped down the pecking order as far as penalty takers are concerned as happened with Wayne Rooney, when he missed a spot-kick against Liverpool earlier in the season.

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Asked if Van Persie would continue as first-choice penalty taker, Van Gaal told the BBC: "No. He is now at the end of the road.

"It is always [the same].

"Wayne Rooney has missed also, so when you miss, you are at the bottom again."

After three back-to-back defeats Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways when they take an away trip to Crystal Palace next weekend.

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