Manchester United Daily Digest: Robin van Persie in decline?

Robin van Persie's 26 league goals during the 2012-13 campaign helped Manchester United regain the Premier League title from Manchester City.

The Dutchman was expected to kick on under close ally Louis van Gaal this season, but his performances have become a slight worry for the supporters.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the latest stories surrounding the 31-year-old, in addition to Tuesday's main talking points at Old Trafford.

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The numbers do not lie - Van Persie has scored just three times for United this season. He netted 22 and 37 in his last two seasons for Arsenal, before registering 30 and then 18 at United. The Dutchman remains a wonderfully gifted footballer, but can United still rely on him for goals?

Former Southampton striker Matt Le Tissier does not think so, with the Sky Sports pundit claiming that Van Persie is now "past his best".

However, that is not a view shared by former United defender Gary Neville, who believes that Van Persie's teammates should take some of the blame for the striker's goal-shy campaign.

With on-loan Monaco forward Radamel Falcao struggling with injury and Wayne Rooney seemingly dropping deeper and deeper with each passing match, Van Persie needs to hit the goal trail if a top-four finish is to occur this season.

> Click here to read the latest stories surrounding Van Persie

With United's defence seemingly cursed this season, Michael Carrick's recent return to fitness could not have come at a better time for Van Gaal.

On the sidelines at the moment are Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Marcos Rojo and Rafael, while Chris Smalling is suspended for this weekend's Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

That leaves Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as United's main centre-backs, with Antonio Valencia at right-back and the ever-improving Luke Shaw on the left.

Carrick has claimed that he is more than prepared to play in central defence, with Van Gaal also said to be a fan of using the Englishman in that position.

United have certainly played more from the back this season, but they need individuals that can pass the ball. For all Carrick's criticisms last term, the midfielder's ability in possession cannot be questioned.

> Click here to view United's upcoming matches in what is a vital period of the club's season

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Defenders are understood to be on Van Gaal's shopping list in January, but it has been reported that the Dutchman also wants to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Perez.

The story is carrying serious weight in Portugal, with United reportedly prepared to pay the £23.5m needed to activate the 28-year-old's release clause.

It is thought that Van Gaal wants Perez to operate on the right of his midfield diamond, with Daley Blind, Angel di Maria and Ander Herrera forming what would be an exciting central area for the former Premier League champions.

More importantly though, can Perez play centre-back?

> Click here to read the latest transfers news from Old Trafford

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It is a good job that Rooney is handy with his feet, because the England captain's future prospects as a singer do not look too strong.

After attending an Ed Sheeran gig in Manchester last month, Rooney joined the singer backstage to provide some vocals for the 23-year-old.

A footballer's career does not last forever, but it is doubtful that Sheeran will be asking Rooney to provide backing in the future...

> Click here to read more on this story

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has claimed that the Blues have now surpassed Manchester United as the biggest club in the city.

Sunday's 1-0 win at the Etihad means that City have now won the last four meetings between the two sides, while as the champions, City are seen as currently the biggest scalp in the division.

That is also a view shared by former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who played for both clubs during his illustrious career.

United's worldwide fan-base, however, in addition to their 20 league titles and 11 FA Cups tells a slightly different story. Maybe a little premature?

> Click here to read reaction from the Manchester derby