by Mark Bassey

Louis van Gaal has revealed that Robin van Persie will miss the start of the new Premier League season, after he was granted an extended break after the 2014 World Cup.

The striker was a key member of Van Gaal’s squad in Brazil, to went all the way to clinch bronze at the tournament.

Van Persie has now missed all Manchester United’s pre-season games and will also be unavailable when the Red Devils kick off their league campaign.

“Robin wants to play every game, I know that, but so do the other 30 players in the squad,” the 62-year-old said. “But players have to train and Robin needs a full training regime behind him before he can play again.

“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.”

United host Swansea in their opener on August 16.

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