United sweat on Van Persie fitness

Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed Robin van Persie is a doubt for today’s Premier League encounter with Southampton.

United sweat on Van Persie fitness

Van Persie picked up a calf injury on international duty with Holland and subsequently reported to the club with a toe problem.

“We have a few with knocks,” Moyes said.

“The one we are more worried about is Robin van Persie. He got a kick on the calf and he came off in the second game [against Turkey]. He has had problems with his toes as well. We will see how he is.”

Van Persie’s hat-trick against Hungary last Friday took him top of the Dutch international scoring charts.

“It is an incredible achievement,” said Moyes. “What he wants to do now is score more goals for Holland and do it in a World Cup when it matters. But there have been some brilliant Dutch forwards over the years and they have had an array of talent. To be at the top of that list is something special.”

Meanwhile, Moyes also confirmed Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini could delay an operation on his wrist for up to two years.

Fellaini has been playing with a protective cast on his hand during the recent internationals and, with Tom Cleverley ruled out with a groin injury, the £27.5 million man will have to keep going for a good while yet despite the obvious discomfort.

“We have been told we can get away without operating just now and we are a little bit short with Cleverley picking up a calf strain for England, so we need him and we will put it off as long as we can. That could be two years.”

Moyes, meanwhile, has described Adnan Januzaj as “the most level-headed young boy I have ever come across”.

The manager has had plenty of experience in developing young talent having given both Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley their debuts at Everton and now he must guide Januzaj through the early stages of his career following the 18-year-old’s two-goal match-winning contribution on his first Premier League start at Sunderland a fortnight ago.

“He is probably the most level-headed young boy I have ever come across,” said Moyes.

“I have had Wayne and Ross and all the other ones who have come through at different clubs. He is the most steady and stable.”

It appears Januzaj’s career will be guided by his father, Abedin, who was Albanian-born but raised in Kosovo.

“The boy is in really good order,” said Moyes.

“He is certainly kept in check by his father and his family but mentally he is really good. At the moment I don’t see any problems.

“Maybe in years to come you will come back and say, ’Do you remember this interview?’.

“But hopefully he goes on to fulfil everything we think he will do.”

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