Robin van Persie will play in Osaka friendly

Manchester United manager David Moyes has confirmed Robin van Persie will play some part in tomorrow’s friendly with Cerezo Osaka.

Van Persie was taken off as a precaution during Tuesday’s defeat in Yokohama after feeling a tightness in his thigh.

The injury prompted a stinging attack from former Wales coach Raymond Verheijen, who recalling Moyes’ previous claim he had “overtrained” Van Persie during United’s week in Australia, said such training regimes were out of Jurassic Park.

It seems the comments were overblown, with Van Persie set to play in the fourth match of United’s pre-season tour.

“It was just a precaution,” said Moyes. “I expect he will play tomorrow.”

There was good news surrounding four of the players United opted to leave at home.

“There was a practice match at the training ground the other day in which Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia and Nani all got some playing time,” he said.

“Wayne Rooney is running and is probably at the level we would have thought he would be.

“He has picked up his work again this week.”

With conditions in Osaka even hotter than Yokohama, Moyes is set to abandon his policy of giving players extended periods of time on the pitch in an effort to conserve their energy.

“It’s very hot and the conditions are difficult for players from our country,” said Moyes.

“I hope we’ll benefit from playing in these conditions when we get home but we may need to use all of our players tomorrow night to make sure they don’t lose too much weight or fluid because I am sure it will be very hot again.”