After securing a place back among English football’s elite in his first season in charge at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal will surely be asked to spearhead a Manchester United title challenge in the upcoming campaign.

The Red Devils are widely expected to splurge on a wealth of summer signings before the new campaign starts, with Memphis Depay having already joining the club from PSV Eindhoven.

Although there is seemingly a need for a new central defender and a commanding midfielder, up front looks like an area where Van Gaal will need to recruit new faces, too.

Radamel Falcao’s underwhelming loan stint at the club has ended, with the Colombia international now set to spend next term on a similar deal at Chelsea from Monaco.

However, another United striker looks increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford, with talk of Robin van Persie being allowed to find a new employer for 2015/16 gathering pace.

Reputable sources such as The Guardian have stated that the Netherlands international could well be on his way to Fenerbahce, with United seemingly comfortable with letting the veteran move on.

There is certainly no denying that the former Arsenal hitman has not been at his blistering best in recent times. Injuries prevented Van Persie from building a head of steam last season, while he also was not seen as an automatic first choice when he was available. A return of ten Premier League goals was his lowest tally since the 2009/10 campaign, and as such the burden of expectation was placed on Wayne Rooney’s shoulders to get goals for the club.

There is an argument to suggest that Van Persie is no longer a crucial member of the Old Trafford club's squad, but parting company with him entirely could well be shortsighted on LVG's part - who will be more aware than most of his ability.

A new striker, or even two, could well arrive at the Manchester club this summer, but there is every likelihood they could be from overseas.

If the new man (men) does take time to adjust to his new environment and the pressure of playing for a club the size of United, having Van Persie as a tried-and-tested alternative looks like an inviting option.

Talk of his demise may well be pertinent, but if the Dutch destroyer can get a proper pre-season under his belt, there is no reason to suggest that he cannot get back to his devastating best.

Finally, with young compatriot Depay arriving in a foreign country eager to make an impression, having a senior statesman from the same nation at the club would only be a positive thing.

The elder of the two will understand the challenges of moving straight from the Eredivisie to the Premier League and would be someone to guide Depay in overcoming the obstacles in his path.

The days of Van Persie being the most-feared striker in English football look to have come to an end, but writing off this proven goalscorer could well be an oversight by a side looking to get back among the best.

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