United Striker Robin van Persie Offers Possible Explanation For Sluggish Form

Robin van Persie insists he's feeling like his old self again after a tough start to the season for Manchester United, admitting his post-World Cup recovery took some time.

Van Persie was one of Louis Van Gaal's top players for Holland in the 2014 World Cup as the side came to within a game of the final and many predicted he would set the Premier League on fire this season under the incoming manager's direction.

While his start to the current campaign was sluggish, the striker is now looking a lot more like the player who helped United win the title in 2013 with three goals in his last three matches.

A brace to help United to a 2-1 win over Southampton was particularly important as the side aim for Champions League qualification once more, and van Persie told MUTV he is feeling back to his best after a difficult few months.

"Over the past couple of weeks I've been feeling very well physically," he said.

"I feel like I can make more runs and keep things going up until the last bit of the game. I feel good and I don't think it's a coincidence that the goals are flowing in much better now.

"It was a hard start to this season. I don't know what is to blame for that."

He went on to say that the World Cup may have gotten his progress off track, particularly after suffering injury problems throughout the 2013-14 season.

"It's hard to maybe pick things up straight away after the World Cup," the former Arsenal man explained. "I have played five tournaments in total over the last few years - three European Championships and two World Cups - and based on the moments after those tournaments the first period was always tougher even though I felt fine and fit.

"Somehow it can be tough to really get back to your best form."

United are currently third in the table on the back of five wins in a row. They face Liverpool on Sunday in what will no doubt be a heated contest between the old foes and Van Gaal will be hoping van Persie's form continues to improve.