Champions League: RvP’s feeling squeezed out

Robin van Persie’s complaint that team-mates were ‘in his space’ has echoes of a playground tiff a few seconds before yelling  ‘it’s my ball and I’m going home’.

But the implications of Van Persie’s grievance should worry Manchester United fans.

The striker stopped short of openly criticizing manager David Moyes but the implied message was that against Olympiakos, the tactics were wrong.

Transfers, man-management, training methods, etc, are all things that can be modified and tweaked until the right formula is found. 

But for one of the team’s main men to suggest the boss got it badly wrong in the club’s biggest game of the season so far, is a heavy hint at deeper problems.

Players have to believe in the manager — and there is little evidence on the pitch that United’s leading lights, apart from Wayne Rooney, have their boss’ back.

The thought that Moyes would get the luxury of a  transitional season was always wishful thinking.

After the dismal 2-0 Champions League defeat in Greece, alarm bells are ringing even louder at Old Trafford.

The official line is United will rebuild in the summer with Moyes and expect to challenge for the title next season. I’m not convinced RvP wants to be a part of that. n

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Everton v West Ham

The Hammers, with Andy Carroll back, look safe from relegation. But they’ll come up against a Toffees team that are a level above them and who impressed at Chelsea last time out.

Prediction: 2-0

Fulham v Chelsea

Felix Magath needs to start winning fast if he is to drag the Cottagers out of trouble. It’s hard to see that happening against Chelsea, who are 12 games unbeaten in the league.  

Prediction: 0-2

Hull v Newcastle 

Got to praise Hull for their efforts this season, staying consistently at arm’s length from the drop-zone chat. Newcastle are not in great form despite last week’s win in a dire game against Aston Villa.

A home win looks on the cards. 

Prediction: 2-1

Stoke v Arsenal

A windy, cold and generally unpleasant Britannia Stadium could await the Gunners. And I’m not sure they’ll be up for that. Arsene Wenger is not a fan   of this fixture — his team have won only one of their past six visits to the Potters — and his team may drop crucial points here.

Prediction: 1-1

Saints v Liverpool

Martin Skrtel will have to locate the ball rather than opponents’ shirts if Liverpool are to continue their entertaining season with another win (they are unbeaten in eight league games). The Reds defence has looked shaky to say the least. 

However, they possess a potent strikeforce and have their eyes on a surprise title bid. A draw would not be a surprise but Liverpool’s current momentum should be enough. 

Prediction:  1-2

SUNDAY

Aston Villa v Norwich

Could be a snorefest if current form is anything to go by. The Canaries did at least win last weekend but Villa’s season is in danger of petering out limply.

Prediction: 1-1

Swansea v Crystal Palace

1:30pm

The Swans will feel rightly upset they didn’t muster at least a point from the 4-3 defeat at Anfield but there’s no doubt Gary Monk has injected some belief back into the squad.

Palace are tough cookies these days, though, and can get a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Tottenham v Cardiff City

9:30am

Cardiff look rudderless at the moment and, with Spurs having a point to prove after defeat, I expect a convincing home victory.

Prediction: 4-0