Manchester United's style of play is 'difficult' for Van Persie, claims Van Gaal

The Netherlands head coach is confident the striker will impress at the World Cup because the national team's approach is less simple and better suited to his ability.

 

Robin van Persie is finding the style of football being played at Manchester United under David Moyes "difficult", Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has claimed.

Van Persie has reportedly clashed with Moyes over the Scot's training practices this season and the Dutch FA have contacted United about the striker's continued injury problems ahead of the World Cup.

Van Gaal believes the former Arsenal striker will be prepared for the World Cup because the national team's game is less simple than United's and is more suited to his abilities.

"I think he should be great in the tournament because he loves to play [for his country]," Van Gaal told reporters. "He has shown that in all the qualification matches more than ever, because he’s our top scorer, and I hope he can continue this.

"The football from Manchester United now is, for him, maybe difficult but then he wishes to show his ability. Technique [levels] in the Dutch team are higher.

"The Dutch team might benefit, you never know."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy met with Van Gaal in December following Andre Villas-Boas' sacking, but he was unwilling to share his international duties with the role at White Hart Lane.

The Dutchman is still believed to be the outstanding candidate for Spurs, despite current manager Tim Sherwood's deal until the end of next season, and he admits England - but not particularly White Hart Lane - is his preferred next port of call.

"I am mostly interested in England because I have been a coach in Spain, Germany, in the Netherlands, so I think England is the next step in my career," he added.

"Spurs? It could be another club - it depends on the vacancies, because Spurs were already [in touch] with me.

"I prefer to be focused on this World Cup and now there’s another coach [at Spurs], so as coach you cannot say I go to that club or that club, it depends on circumstances and the vacancies."