Following United's dismal 2-0 Champions League defeat at Oympiakos on Tuesday, Van Persie signalled his disquiet by complaining that his team-mates were taking up positions he wanted to occupy. Although the striker was careful to defend Moyes, his frustration with his fellow players was also an implied criticism of the manager's tactical approach.
In the opening last-16 first-leg defeat by the Greek championsVan Persie was starved of chances and squandered United's best opportunity towards the end of the match.
Van Persie was particularly disappointed when Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes' predecessor, retired at the end of last season. Ferguson was a key factor in Van Persie agreeing to sign for United from Arsenal instead of Manchester City in 2012 in a £24m transfer, despite City having offered him a higher salary. As in his final campaign at the Emirates Van Persie had a virtually injury-free season last year and his goals were crucial to Ferguson claiming a 20th title for United. This term, however, Van Persie has been blighted by injuries and, with the summer's World Cup in Brazil potentially the 30-year-old's last, he is keen to be in prime condition for the tournament.
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