[KiD MoYeS]

he's always been prone to missing easy chances, it's the fact that he's completely lost his ability to pull great goals out of absolutely nothing (a prominent feature of his first season here) that's been the problem. The magic is no longer there.

The post denied him a beautiful goal against West Brom. He still has that capability, it just may be less consistent.

 

[Devil may care]

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

And decline is reality, it just happens to some sooner than others, not every player will be like Giggs and Zanetti.

 

[Cassidy]

And decline is reality, it just happens to some sooner than others, not every player will be like Giggs and Zanetti.

Many people miss call a decline though, its a bit soon to be saying he is in decline me thinks

 

[NotoriousISSY]

And decline is reality, it just happens to some sooner than others, not every player will be like Giggs and Zanetti.

Both those guys had a dip in form in their early 30s. Giggs was getting booed in 2005.

I'm not saying RVP is the same, because he's showing no signs of improving...but it's too early to say he's done and that's it.

 

[JaffyJoe]

his injury history is what makes e feel he is done, one too many the wrong side of 29 I feel have permanently taken something from his game.

 

[Devil may care]

Many people miss call a decline though, its a bit soon to be saying he is in decline me thinks

Both those guys had a dip in form in their early 30s. Giggs was getting booed in 2005.

I'm not saying RVP is the same, because he's showing no signs of improving...but it's too early to say he's done and that's it.

I'm just saying there are no guarantees that his previous top level will return. Personally his current play reminds me of Shevechenko when he legs went.

 

[Sam]

his injury history is what makes e feel he is done, one too many the wrong side of 29 I feel have permanently taken something from his game.

I'm kinda thinking along the same lines. Those injuries last season were just one too many injuries for his body to take. Its the only thing I can think of that would explain his physical decline. He looks like a 40 year old right now, and not in a Sheringham sort of way.

 

[PSingh]

RVP doesn't attack the ball at all. His movement is good at times when he decides to look for some space (looks like he's in energy saving mode most of the time), but his strength and pace has declined a lot.

If the plan is to hit crosses into the box, Falcao should definitely be starting ahead of him.

His game has never been about pace, so I'm not too worried about that. Everyone is over reacting about his performances, he was feeding on scraps vs WBA. I'm not sure what people are expecting from him, I know Di Maria put a couple of decent balls in the box but when you are playing one striker up front you cant expect him to get on every single cross.

He's just in a bad patch of form, I'm sure he will start banging the goals in again. As a team we have to create more chances though.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

he's always been prone to missing easy chances, it's the fact that he's completely lost his ability to pull great goals out of absolutely nothing (a prominent feature of his first season here) that's been the problem. The magic is no longer there, a bit like Mrs. RiP's sex life.

Ffs.

 

[Cheesy]

His game has never been about pace, so I'm not too worried about that. Everyone is over reacting about his performances, he was feeding on scraps vs WBA. I'm not sure what people are expecting from him, I know Di Maria put a couple of decent balls in the box but when you are playing one striker up front you cant expect him to get on every single cross.

He's just in a bad patch of form, I'm sure he will start banging the goals in again. As a team we have to create more chances though.

While I don't think he'll get back to his very best again, I agree that he's still capable of doing quite well for us since his games more based off of finishing and ability than pace. The fact he's gotten a couple of games despite being well below par is a positive, and I actually thought he was okay at times on Monday.

 

[PvsNP]

He has obviously declined since he came here two years ago, but I do think he still has something to offer. We do need to play him with another striker to get the best out of him though at his current form.

 

[Chaky_Best]

He's not in top form, but I also think that he's not helped by his team mates too.

Last year, when the season began, he was in top form and scored goals because the team used to play with pace and penetration. As the year gone, he started to slow a bit, like the team, and I think that he's far better with a lot of movements around him, and closer to the goal.

He was excellent his last year at Arsenal because of that, he played higher in the pitch, ran less, and had all the ball around the penalty box and beneficiated from Arsenal pass game too

With Moyesy he was a target for crosses only, we played too deep and too slowly. I think this style suits more to a Falcao, Rooney or even somebody like Cavani who loves to start deep.

I really think that if we manage to control the ball better, and then being higher on the pitch with more penetration than we have now, he will benefit from been upfront.

I would say that with players like Vidal, Khedira, Strootman and top wingers like Angel, he could shine again.

 

[Fahad Jawaid]

I feel its not just form, he has just declined physically, i remember how good he was in his first season for us, he was so good at holding the ball, and bringing others into play, although he was never pacy, but he had this Iniesta like ability to go past players without pace, and make a yard of space and take shots, but now he seems lazy in his movement, his touch seems heavy and the biggest difference is, he used to create chances out of nothing for himself and others aswell.

He used to be one of our creative players, now he is very dependent on others and seems to have lost that spark or the edge which made him deadly, If VP had the ball in the box, i used to be excited and felt like something could happen, just as i feel now with Di Maria, now he just passes it to somebody or mis- hits the shots or losses it.

 

[PSingh]

While I don't think he'll get back to his very best again, I agree that he's still capable of doing quite well for us since his games more based off of finishing and ability than pace. The fact he's gotten a couple of games despite being well below par is a positive, and I actually thought he was okay at times on Monday.

Agreed. His performance was not that bad, you have to factor in that Januzaj and Mata were awful and really didn't provide much. Di Maria was good in patches but gave the ball away too much. I think some fans have unrealistic expectations from RVP. Even when he was in his best form for us he used to miss the 'easier' chances. I believe that LVG knows what he is doing with RVP and I'm sure it will turn out fine.

 

[Sam]

Just went and had a look at his highlights from the Madrid game, plus a few videos from his Arsenal days, just to see if the decline is being exaggerated. Sadly, its like watching a different player. In comparison, it looks like he's running in treacle these days, with a bag of potatoes on his back.

If it is a physical thing, I wonder if he'd be able to adapt his game? He looked a lot better when he came deep against West Brom for example, and wasn't having to hold the ball up or make runs. I reckon he's probably got the technique to be a good #10.

 

[Rykker_4united]

The hyperbole on here about this guy is insane! He just isn't playing well at the moment. I don't think anything has changed about his physique or how he plays the game. The problem looks to be his attitude.

 

[Speak]

If he's not scoring those chances, it's difficult to see exactly what he brings to the team.
He stifled our play before, but at least then he was scoring goals that others couldn't. Now he's stifling the play even more, and not scoring those chances that other couldn't.

 

[Sam]

The hyperbole on here about this guy is insane! He just isn't playing well at the moment. I don't think anything has changed about his physique or how he plays the game. The problem looks to be his attitude.

Watch this video, and compare the difference in his sharpness and physical strength when holding the ball up, compared to now. He barely gets knocked off the ball at all, and is winning physical battles with players like Ramos.

 

[Manucho the boss]

If his shot goes in off the post instead of back out then none of the crap in this thread gets posted.

Fickle little internet fans.

 

[Rykker_4united]

Watch this video, and compare the difference in his sharpness and physical strength when holding the ball up, compared to now. He barely gets knocked off the ball at all, and is winning physical battles with players like Ramos.

Like I said, much of it is his attitude and desire.

 

[Speak]

If his shot goes in off the post instead of back out then none of the crap in this thread gets posted.

Fickle little internet fans.

It's not just about whether he scores a goal any more.

 

[Sam]

If his shot goes in off the post instead of back out then none of the crap in this thread gets posted.

Fickle little internet fans.

Posts like this are ridiculous.

Like I said, much of it is his attitude and desire.

Hmmm, that would be a strange one. Surely his motivation under LVG would be as good as ever?

 

[Rykker_4united]

Posts like this are ridiculous.



Hmmm, that would be a strange one. Surely his motivation under LVG would be as good as ever?

You never know. He just doesn't look hungry for winning and trophies at the moment. I didn't think he looked arsed at the world cup either.

 

[DWelbz19]

It quite clearly is a physical, fitness issue. His sharpness and awareness and has gone as he has lost pace - whether or not his game relied on him passing players in sprints or not is irrelevant, he lacks the inital burst to match his great movement. This is also exemplefied with his now lack of stamina which he reserves- Berbatov-like, so he isn't getting on the end of as many chances as he should be. He was never a clinical goalscorer, he was just an excellent one at taking half chances. And that's looking less and less likely as he will get into less and less opportunities.

 

[Borys]

His game has never been about pace, so I'm not too worried about that. Everyone is over reacting about his performances, he was feeding on scraps vs WBA. I'm not sure what people are expecting from him, I know Di Maria put a couple of decent balls in the box but when you are playing one striker up front you cant expect him to get on every single cross.

He's just in a bad patch of form, I'm sure he will start banging the goals in again. As a team we have to create more chances though.

Sure it wasn't, but right now it seems like he finds it difficult (physically) as a lone striker- so that's a little bit worrying.

Mind you it would be silly to expect from him the same effort like 2 years ago. His role should be limited though.

 

[JaffyJoe]

People keep saying it's form, he hasn't played well for a while. When is the last time he was playing consistently good football ? For me it's over 8 months ago, that's more than form. That is a decline.

 

[JUPITER]

People keep saying it's form, he hasn't played well for a while. When is the last time he was playing consistently good football ? For me it's over 8 months ago, that's more than form. That is a decline.

Longer than that...

 

[manutddjw]

I do think we should be starting Falcao over Van Persie, but I'm finding some of the criticism to be over the top. We've had lesser players over the years who've people have covered up for them with the "he didn't have a proper preseason", but the same isn't given for Van Persie, nor is anyone mentioning he's only had 6 games to get used to playing with Di Maria, Falcao and Herrera. He's still a good player and has a lot left to offer us.

 

[Danillaco]

Watch this video, and compare the difference in his sharpness and physical strength when holding the ball up, compared to now. He barely gets knocked off the ball at all, and is winning physical battles with players like Ramos.

At 1:08 was just amazing. Van Persie really needs to step up a few notches, the difference in his game is brutal.

 

[Kostur]

At 1:08 was just amazing. Van Persie really needs to step up a few notches, the difference in his game is brutal.

That's nothing man.

Look at 0:40, he's just, just touching Ramos face and it seems that he's broken his jaw in half.

 

[dannyrhinos89]

People keep saying it's form, he hasn't played well for a while. When is the last time he was playing consistently good football ? For me it's over 8 months ago, that's more than form. That is a decline.

More like 15 months mate

Tbh he's been utter shite since fergie left

 

[Cheesy]

More like 15 months mate

Tbh he's been utter shite since fergie left

His football wasn't great last season compared to what he's capable of, but I think it's a bit harsh to say he was shite. His goals return was still fairly respectable. Injuries probably held him back a bit, although that's obviously another major problem which could potentially result in his decline coming now, as a lot feel it is.

 

[JUPITER]

More like 15 months mate

Tbh he's been utter shite since fergie left

Yeah, it's been a long while.

My biggest qualm by far with Van Gaal is the ludicrous favouritism he's shown RvP thus far. Starting him or starting Falcao against Chelsea and City could easily make the difference between getting something out of the game and getting nothing.

It's almost like playing with 10 men when RvP's on the pitch at the moment, and it makes it way easier for teams to get at us.

He contributes nothing, and most worryingly - he causes the opposing CBs ZERO BOTHER. This is the sticking point that we need to admit to ourselves. As hard as it is to believe given the player he used to be, any CB partnership in the PL must now be viewing RvP as an easy afternoon's work as he just doesn't cause problems - he doesn't make a nuisance of himself, he's slow, he can't bully defenders anymore and his decision making is becoming poor.

I think many people are stuck thinking of him of how he was two seasons ago. But two seasons is a long time for a player that's spent the majority of their career injury prone. Defenders get younger and stronger and faster and RvP has gotten older and weaker and slower. That's a decline.

And he's being pampered (with minutes) at the expense of the team.

 

[Rood]

I have no idea why people are talking about Falcao starting instead of RvP on Sunday - both will start

 

[Manucho the boss]

I have no idea why people are talking about Falcao starting instead of RvP on Sunday - both will start

I wouldn't bother mate, the amateur psychologists in here have already diagnosed his mental state as a problem from watching him play football.

Reactionary nonsense to a game he played in front of Herrera (honeymoon period), Mata (popular), Januzaj (young) who had some of the worst individual performances I've seen any of our players have over the last few years.

We adopted Tony Pulis' Stoke tactics in the 2nd half when Fellaini came on which didn't suit RVP at all, no surprise he nearly scored straight away after the introduction of Falcao.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

Reactionary nonsense to a game he played in front of Herrera (honeymoon period), Mata (popular), Januzaj (young) who had some of the worst individual performances I've seen any of our players have over the last few years.

Oh please...

 

[Chaky_Best]

He managed to hit the post with a sublime volley outside the box and could have been the savior for this match.

He was also pretty good as a sole man against West Ham,

Last year he was excellent against Olympiacos when he needed to be the star man

But when we see the images of 2 years ago, it's amazing how he's changed badly

 

[Adebesi]

Im in two minds about this one. I kind of agree with Rood, I can see both starting. But on the other hand it seems to me that playing two strikers against Chelsea is suicidal.

Id personally start Falcao and leave RVP on the bench but (as usual) people are going way overboard with their criticisms of RVP. I dont think he's past it and he's already shown a few flashes of brilliance. Its not unusual for people who went the distance in the WC to have a slow start to the season, his form will come eventually.

 

[Patchbeard]

Watch this video, and compare the difference in his sharpness and physical strength when holding the ball up, compared to now. He barely gets knocked off the ball at all, and is winning physical battles with players like Ramos.

That's also the game I think of when comparing RVP to his old self. His first touch, hold-up, dribbling and interplay used to be mesmerising. Last season he was hit/miss on form, but since the injury at the end of the Olympiakos game he's been so consistently off form that I'm starting to think it's now his current level.

It's also mental to see how dangerous we looked against Real Madrid only 18 months ago, with that very same squad that Moyes inherited, that SAF would've struggled with...different topic I know.

 

[Rood]

Im in two minds about this one. I kind of agree with Rood, I can see both starting. But on the other hand it seems to me that playing two strikers against Chelsea is suicidal.

Id personally start Falcao and leave RVP on the bench but (as usual) people are going way overboard with their criticisms of RVP. I dont think he's past it and he's already shown a few flashes of brilliance. Its not unusual for people who went the distance in the WC to have a slow start to the season, his form will come eventually.

Well I want to see us go with 2 striker and have a go at Chelsea - our defence is weak so I think the only way we can get anything from this game is to go for the kill.

Also RvP and Falcao have linked up very well - they seem to have formed an instant understanding