Robin van Persie – Fading Dutchman or still The Talisman?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlz_P-tZj_w

“Given away to Kagawa. Now Rooney. van Persie making a trademark run again and what a ball to pick him out and what a finish! A magnificient goal by Robin van Perise!”

Robin van Persie scored an incredible goal off a volley against Aston Villa to grab three points and clinch the twentieth Premier League Trophy for Manchester United. Robin van Persie went on to score a hattrick in that match against Villa.

That was the 2012-13 season. The last one with Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm of the Red Devils and after losing the title on goal difference to neighbours City the previous year, it was a terrific comeback (and farewell for Sir Alex), the start of which was rooted in one particular surprise signing at the end of 2011-12 season. The signing of arch-rivals Arsenal’s captain, Robin van Persie. The striker had already proven his credentials in the Premier League by scoring 37 goals in all competitions in the previous season.

The new signing immediately paid dividends as he started his Manchester United career by scoring the opener against Fulham with the first shot of his United career. That moment opened the floodgates for Manchester United as the Dutch striker kept on scoring on a regular basis. His crafty runs past defenders were complimented by the cunning eyes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and others and his finishing was top class. He went on to score 30 goals for the club, rescuing them several times from sticky situations (Manchester derby at The Etihad comes to mind).

Two years and three managers later, however,  the same Robin van Persie had scored only 22 goals from 48 games in all competitions for Manchester United. Is this a sign towards a curtain call on his Manchester United career or does the 31-year-old striker still have what it takes to match, if not emulate, his predecessor, Ruud van Nistelrooy?

Leaving Arsenal for bitter rivals Manchester United was always a hard decision for van Persie to make, but the hunger to win trophies urged “the little boy in him” to go with Manchester United. And he didn’t disappoint anyone. Scoring goals when needed. Lethal finishing. Venomous volley. Powerful header. He was the all-round striker United wanted. And he proved to be the difference in the title race that season.

Then came the shock announcement from Sir Alex. The gaffer was stepping down and a new manager was coming. The new season kick-started with same fervour. The  curtain-raiser, Community Shield, was played between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic. Robin van Persie was in the thick of the action, as usual, scoring 2 goals for the Red Devils and helped David Moyes to win his first trophy with Manchester United. The season opener against Swansea looked like nothing had changed. Van Persie scoring two more, including an amazing scissor kick. Then, the horror started.

Things went from bad to worse for everyone. David Moyes looked confused. Robin van Persie slowly faded away. The mid-field was not functional at all. The defence was in tatters. Manchester United finished 7th. David Moyes was sacked.

The appointment of Louis van Gaal as the permanent manager of Manchester United looked like a positive move for Robin van Persie.

The then Dutch coach produced an inspired performance from his national side. Robin van Persie led the Oranje outfit to an impressive 3rd position in FIFA World Cup of 2014. He ended the tournament with a magnificient tally of 4 goals. It was only natural for the supporters to think that the appointment of the Dutch master will definitely help Robin van Persie get his destructiveness back.

One year later, United have definitely reclaimed thier fear factor. Champions League nights are back at Old Trafford and The Theatre of Dreams was a fortress once again. Amidst all this, Robin van Persie, however, looked like a forgotten man. Injuries hampered him. 10 goals in 27 appearances for Robin van Persie is an appalling statistic. His season never really started or if it did start, it never went off like it was supossed to. This broke his confidence which affected his performance. Van Gaal wasn’t impressed and with a list of underwhelming performances from him piling up, he didn’t risk the ageing striker. He was sidelined to the bench and this definitely was a crushing blow for a player of the calibre of Robin van Persie.

He did show glimpses of his old self, here and there. His equalizer against Chelsea in the 94th minute of the game reminded us of The Comeback Kings of the old and his deadly finish against West Ham showed why is he so fondly loved by his admirers and feared by the opposition.

With rumours of a rather shock move for van Persie to Fenerbache coming to the fore in the recent days and his contract expiring in 2016, it is to be seen whether he stays at United for another year and returns as the old, awe-inspiring Robin van Persie or whether he goes looking for new pastures.

Maybe it was the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson or maybe the new plans of Louis van Gaal do not compliment his style of play. Maybe his injuries took their toll on him and his age no longer favors him physically. Whatever may be the reason, the Flying Dutchman quickly needs to find his form. Time is not on his side. Can he do it? Can he be The Comeback King? Only time will tell.