Ferguson uncertain over Van Persie role in Manchester United opener

Aug 20, 2012 8:53:00 AM

The PFA Player of the Year is expected to make his Red Devils debut against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday but is not a certainty to make the starting line-up

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed uncertainty over whether recent acquisition Robin van Persie will be fit enough to start in his side's Premier League opener against Everton on Monday night.

The Dutch international, who scored 30 Premier League goals last term, arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal for a fee of £24 million but has missed out on pre-season with his new club.

With the 29-year-old having had little opportunity to train with his new team-mates, the Scot admits he may not hand an immediate debut to the forward.

"He hasn't played much,” Ferguson told reporters.

“We are going to assess him the next couple of days and chat with him, see how he feels himself.

	ROBIN RELIANT?
18/1	Robin van Persie to score and Manchester United to beat Everton 1-0 is 18/1 with bet365

“Adrenalin will help, if I choose to start him, but I think it's important he had a training session on Friday morning.

“Hopefully the weekend will give me a good idea on whether he should start or I should put him on the bench."

Ferguson also went on to hail the club's forward options following Van Persie's arrival, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez also competing for a striking berth.

"We've got a great combination of strikers now,” he added.

“It will be difficult for me but it's better to have another great player rather than worrying if you've got the right player."

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