Ex-Manchester United star, Lou Macari, believes that in order for newly acquired striker Robin van Persie to be successful for the Premier League runners-up he must guard against dropping too deep to receive the ball. Van Persie failed to make an impact from the substitutes bench in a 1-0 defeat to Everton on Monday night as he made his debut for Manchester United after signing from Arsenal for £24 million pounds.

Macari told The Mirror, “I think he should have stayed around the penalty area because that’s where he does most of his good work.” Macari did admit however that the main reason RVP seemingly dropping too deep was to impress his new boss Sir Alex Ferguson, “When Van Persie came on, he realised he only had just over 20 minutes to make an impact. He obviously wanted to get involved straight away on his debut.”

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted after the Everton defeat that his side did not play to van Persie’s strengths when he came on. Indeed, last season Van Persie tormented Premier League defences with his ability to run off the last defender.  The now former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song was a great catalyst for Van Persie’s goals as he provided many of the assists from a central midfield position.

To this extent, arguably Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick will be crucial to the success of Robin van Persie in a Manchester United shirt this season. Wayne Rooney will also be important for Van Persie, as he has the guile, class and industriousness to adapt his game to suit Van Persie’s play.

Despite a disappointing debut for Robin van Persie, Macari did jump to the defence of Van Persie saying that it is “ridiculous” to judge the United front man on one performance. Van Persie will have the chance to rectify his ineffectual start when Manchester United play Fulham on Saturday.

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