Van Persie expects van Gaal to revive spluttering United

Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie. (AFP/Paul Ellis)

BURNLEY: Robin van Persie insists troubled Manchester United will quickly turn the corner under new manager Louis van Gaal as they prepare to face Burnley on Saturday (Aug 29). Van Gaal's disappointing start hit a new low in midweek as United suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at third tier minnows Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup second round.

Before that United lost their opening game of the season at home to Swansea City and drew 1-1 away to Sunderland last weekend. But, lifted by United's British record £59.7 million (S$124 million) signing of Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria, Dutch striker van Persie is confident that, despite a difficult start to life for his compatriot, there will be an upturn in fortunes in the near future.

"I think that everyone has faith and everyone believes in the staff and players," van Persie said ahead of Di Maria's expected debut at Turf Moor. "We have great players, and it's just a matter of time before the points will start coming in. We've played two games and only picked up one point, we would have loved to have got six points but it didn't happen, so we have to bounce back.

"I worked with Louis van Gaal for two years, and he's clear in what he asks of each player in the team every day. So, where I can, I will help the other players. We dropped two points against Sunderland. If you go in front after 15 minutes or so, we should have at least held on to that for longer. We were a bit too sloppy in possession, and in that sense we made it too hard for ourselves."

REGAINING SHARPNESS

Van Persie featured for the first time this season against Sunderland after being given extra time to rest after the World Cup and admitted he is regaining his sharpness. "I feel good, I feel fit," Van Persie added. "I had a good few weeks of training and played my first hour today, so I'll look forward to the game against Burnley."

Meanwhile, Burnley manager Sean Dyche admits he has struggled in the transfer market, while watching United spend more on Di Maria than his club have in their entire history. Burnley, who host the United at Turf Moor, have paid around £45 million in fees for players since the club was founded in 1882. By contrast, United have splashed out nearly £60 million on Di Maria alone.

"Some of the figures mentioned are bizarre in my world. It's a tough market," Dyche said. "I think it's moved on from this time last season. The figures we got for selling Charlie Austin to QPR compared to what strikers are going for this season are incredibly different. Some of it has taken the board by surprise, the numbers involved in certain situations.

"It is the reality of what we are. I think everyone knows the gap. I don't know what clubs these alleged players are going to for the figures quoted. Some of them won't be coming here with the money mentioned. Last season we went out in the market and didn't spend anything. Then we finally get some money, but there are all kinds of situations that have to be balanced off at the club."

Burnley have no fresh injury concerns ahead of United's visit, with striker Sam Vokes (knee) and young defender Cameron Dummigan (hip) both still on the treatment table. United will include Di Maria in their squad while fellow new signing defender Marcos Rojo is still awaiting a work permit so may not be available. Van Gaal will also check on the fitness of a number of players including midfielders Shinji Kagawa (concussion), Ander Hererra (ankle) and Marouane Fellaini (foot) as well as defender Chris Smalling (groin).