Martin Keown: 'Robin van Persie key for Manchester United'

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that Robin van Persie will be key to Manchester United's chances of overcoming Real Madrid in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

The two sides enter the last second leg of the last-16 clash tied at 1-1, with Keown claiming that Van Persie could be the deciding factor.

"Van Persie has gone four games without scoring now — his longest run in a United shirt — and ending that drought will surely be the key to Sir Alex Ferguson's side progressing," he told the Daily Mail.

Van Persie has scored 23 goals for United this season.