When Robin van Persie joined Manchester United in Summer 2012, the Dutch striker said he, “listened to the little boy inside of me — and he screamed Manchester United.”

Well, it seems this 30-year-old is still acting like a child.  RVP has seemed unhappy at United this year, something he has in common with the rest of the red half of Manchester.  Everybody expected a transition period with new manager David Moyes taking over, but nobody expected United to be fighting for a place in the Europa League.

RVP has battled through a reoccurring thigh injury, and when he has been healthy, his fitness has been less than stellar. Moyes has stood by RVP, but the former Arsenal captain has not reciprocated. The manager has made it very clear that RVP will be the first choice striker. Flashback to just last summer, Moyes made headlines saying, “If for any reason we get an injury to Robin van Persie, we are going to need (Wayne Rooney).”  This was when Rooney’s United future was in serious doubt.  Many believed this quote meant Moyes felt Rooney was surplus and that RVP would be Moyes’ man.

Things turned just a bit differently.  Rooney signed a long-term extension, setting him up to be a United player until he retires and a club ambassador beyond his playing days. RVP, on the other hand, is reportedly reconsidering his future with the likes of Juventus possibly being in his future.

RVP was not the first player to say that playing for United is “a childhood dream come true,” and he will not be the last.  United is a global club and one of the most heavily supported across the globe.  But, if Manchester United was RVP’s dream destination, why would he leave after just two years, even if the club has fallen under hard times?

Perhaps RVP has just looking to finally secure his first trophy, which he did in his first season at Old Trafford.  It was no secret Sir Alex Ferguson was desperate to take the league title back from rival Manchester City, and RVP gave United the offense needed to do so.

But, RVP has not looked the goal scoring threat in his second year at United.  Even his body language on the pitch makes him look disinterested.  He has had some horrible misses against Olympiakos, Arsenal and Fulham, leaving one to believe he has lost his confidence as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMuUAtB9TtI

Attack is probably the only area that United has any sort of depth.  Sir Alex always felt there was no player bigger than the club.  If RVP isn’t dedicated to the cause, he should be sold.

Danny Welbeck has turned some heads in his limited action this year, and had a strong run of form in RVP’s absence earlier this year.  Welbeck has scored nine times in 18 Premier League appearances, which is only slightly worse than RVP’s 11 in 17. RVP is on the wrong of 30, and his lack of pace is catching up to him in the fast-paced English game.

The Daily Mail, Mirror and other tabloids have said misfit PSG striker Edison Cavani is set to take over as United No. 9, but Moyes has a squad full of attacking options.  Rooney is a playmaker, but is able to play up top as a main striker.  With Rooney up top, United can afford to play Juan Mata in a more central, No. 10 role.

If United wanted to keep Rooney in a withdrawn striker role, it also has Javier Hernandez, who has spent most of the season on the bench. Chicharito is the ultimate poacher who always seems to put himself at the right place at the right time.  Hernandez has made most of his appearances as a substitute and has managed just two goals in the Premier League.

United is expected to clean house this summer, starting with captian Nemanja Vidic announcing he will leave the club after this season.  RVP may be axed if Moyes feels he will hinder his rebuilding plans.  Until then, though, RVP must prove his worth in a Manchester shirt.  A goal or two against Liverpool on Sunday and against Olympiakos next Wednesday could put these transfer talks to rest.