Robin van Persie criticises Manchester United team-mates

Robin van Persie criticised his Manchester United team-mates in the wake of their dismal 2-0 defeat at Olympiacos.

United were outplayed by their Greek opponents and the result leaves the reigning Premier League champions with a big task if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.

Van Persie struggled for much of the match before wasting an opportunity to get one on the board for the visitors late on.


Following the humiliation the frustrated frontman gave an interview to Dutch TV channel NOS and made clear his opinions on why his form had dipped.

When asked whether he was allowed deep to collect the ball, Van Persie said: 'Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in.

'And when I see that, it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well. So that forces me to adjust my runs, based on the position of my fellow players.

'And, unfortunately, they are often playing in my zones. I think that's a shame.'

The striker's best chance of the night came in the second half when he fired over the crossbar having fashioned a yard inside the area.

'I rushed that shot [to make it 2-1 late in the game]', Van Persie admitted.

'That's a shame because I don't get a lot of chances, so when you get one, you have to score.'