Manchester United striker Robin van Persie removed from penalty duty after West Brom failure

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed Robin van Persie will not be taking any further penalties after the striker saw a second-half spot kick saved during the frustrating defeat to West Bromwich Albion on 2 May.

The Red Devils, who had dominated possession for the majority of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford, were trailing to a deflected free-kick from Chris Brunt when Saido Berahino appeared to hand them a lifeline when he blocked an Antonio Valencia cross with his left arm.

West Brom's frantic appeals that the offence had actually occurred outside the 18-yard box were given short shrift by referee Anthony Taylor but they were handed a vital reprieve after second-choice goalkeeper Boaz Myhill got down smartly to his left to ensure Van Persie did not cap his first senior appearance since February with an equaliser.

"No, he is now at the end of the road. Wayne has missed also so when you miss you are at the bottom again," Van Gaal was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News when questioned if his compatriot will take the club's next penalty.

Captain Rooney, although United's top scorer this season with 14 to his name in all competitions, also has a mixed record from 12 yards and his manager does not look eager to restore him to the role any time soon. Van Gaal said: "No. Wayne has already missed, twice I believe."

Defeat to West Brom followed similarly frustrating results against champions Chelsea and Everton, and Manchester United have now suffered three consecutive top-flight defeats for the first time since 2001.

Van Gaal's side remain fourth but have not scored at all since Chris Smalling's 73rd-minute header in the derby success against Manchester City on 12 April and it now seems certain the club will seek to significantly strengthen their attacking options when the transfer window reopens this summer.

PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay is believed to be a preferred target, with AS Monaco's Radamel Falcao highly unlikely to join on a permanent basis following a disappointing loan spell during which the Colombian has scored just four times.