Robin van Persie scores twice for Manchester United Under-21s

Robin van Persie stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury by scoring twice for Manchester United's Under-21 side against Fulham last night.

It took the Dutch striker just 13 minutes to break the deadlock at Craven Cottage when he converted Andreas Pereira's through-pass.

Then, 10 minutes from time, the 31-year-old beat Magnus Norman for a second time to secure a 4-1 win for United.

Van Persie also hit the woodwork on two occasions before he was replaced in the 81st minute.

Following that outing, there have been suggestions that the forward, who has found the net on 10 occasions this season, could start against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.