Former Deportivo La Coruña and Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay was edged out of the Netherlands squad by the likes of the 22-year-old Robin van Persie back in 2005, but is convinced the former Arsenal captain has all possibilities to bounce back at Manchester United.
Makaay said that "Van Persie had a difficult 2014/15 campaign at United" but he still "suggests he wasn't ever fully rested after the World Cup finals", Makaay states in an exclusive interview with Manchester United Supporters' Club Scandinavian Branch.
After 79 goals in 133 appearances for Deportivo La Coruña and 78 in 129 for Bayern Munich, Makaay should be able to know a thing or two about the life of a top notch striker.
Former Bayern Munich striker backs Van Persie
The retired footballer says he has "to admit that I mostly watched highlights of United's games last term." However, he "watched one full game, against Southampton away, and in that game Van Persie was as sharp and clinical as ever", pointing at a game where United had two shots on target and Van Persie bagged a brace.
"I'm convinced he's still got it" says Makaay, "but he isn't a youngster anymore, so getting a sufficient amount of rest will be crucial."
Van Persie still 'clinical as ever'
On a more general United note, Makaay is not entirely convinced that the Red Devils will be in the mix when the Premier League title race goes down to the wire in April and May 2016.
"Chelsea are the champions and Arsenal have begun signing stars. United lost many key players simultaneously, with Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra departing." Makaay said, continuing to say that players like these are not "replaced overnight." and "United need a few more players to challenge for the title", Makaay said. "However, the development has been going in the right direction over the course of the season, despite it took some time to get going."