Van Persie Progressing Well

Robin van Persie is making good progress in his bid to return to fitness but is unlikely to be available for Manchester United's Boxing Day trip to Hull City, according to David Moyes.

The Dutch striker suffered a thigh injury while taking the corner that led to the winning goal against Shakhtar Donetsk on 10 December, with a recovery time initially estimated at around one month.

"Robin is progressing, he’s coming on, and he is feeling quite good," David Moyes said. "He had a similar injury at Arsenal on his thigh, so it is something we have to be sure about [before he returns]. It wouldn’t be much good if it got repeated, so we will try to take it steady.”

With 10 goals in all competitions so far this season, the Dutch international has continued in a similar vein to his first year at Old Trafford, when his 26 goals were key to a 20th league title triumph. When asked if Boxing Day was too soon for Robin to restart his campaign, Moyes replied, “I think it probably will be.”

The manager pointed out that the timing of van Persie's return to availability is decided by a collective, including the striker himself as well as the staff.

“Obviously the medical team are controlling him, but we speak to Robin as well about how he feels and what he feels he needs to do. We’re doing everything we can to make sure he’s well looked after and well treated.”