Van Gaal Discusses van Persie And Blind

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists Robin van Persie must be eased back into first-team action following the World Cup.

Van Persie made his return to the United side last week following an extended break for his exertions in Brazil, and played an hour of the Reds' 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

The striker lasted 73 minutes against Burnley on Saturday before being replaced by Danny Welbeck, and van Gaal believes his reintroduction should be a gradual process.

"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," he said.

"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."

Van Gaal guided the Netherlands to third place at the tournament earlier this summer and also commented on Dutchman Daley Blind's imminent transfer to Old Trafford.

"He’ll come to Manchester to have a medical, and then we might have a new player," the boss said, adding: "I think it’s very smart of the manager [to have three left-sided defenders]."