Ron Vlaar "not afraid" of Robin van Persie

Aston Villa centre-half Ron Vlaar has said that he is "not afraid" of coming up against Robin van Persie this evening.

Manchester United travel to Villa Park in the evening Premier League kickoff today looking to maintain their position atop the Premier League, but Vlaar isn't fazed at the prospect of facing his Holland teammate Van Persie, who is in fine goalscoring form.

"I want the points, that's the most important thing," the 27-year-old told The Guardian.

"We all know who we're playing against. But I'm not afraid of anyone."

Van Persie has scored eight league goals in a United shirt and tops the Premier League scoring chart.