Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will miss the start of the new Premier League season after Louis van Gaal made the decision not to rely on his services.
The Dutch striker is yet to join up with his team-mates ahead of the new season after being allowed extra time off due to his participation in the World Cup this summer.
And, boss Van Gaal has informed the former Arsenal striker that he will not be used at the start of the season.
Van Persie will return to training at Carrington Road on Monday after being allowed extra time off, but despite his wishes to start the season; Van Gaal has told the striker that he will only play when told so.
“Robin wants to play every game. I know that, but so do the other 30 players in the team. But players have to train and Robin needs a full training session before he can play,” Van Gaal told reporters this week.
“Robin will begin training on Monday, but he won’t play in the friendly against Valencia on August 12, definitely not.
“And he won’t play in the Premier League at the start either, I think. People can criticise me for that decision but I know what you have to do with players who have had three weeks’ holiday.
“Hopefully, Robin will get his fitness back very fast. But at this moment, he won’t be playing.”
