Gary Neville defends Robin van Persie

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has defended under-fire striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has netted just three times for United this season, with his performances called into question in various quarters.

However, Neville believes that the 31-year-old's teammates must take some of the blame for the forward's goal-shy campaign.

"He's got to do better in long situations and needs to make better runs. But his teammates aren't finding him as much as [Paul] Scholes and [Michael] Carrick were two years ago," Neville told Sky Sports News

"I called him a burglar before - he lives off back of centre-backs. The type of pass he wants is into space.

"In defence of Van Persie I don't think his teammates are in synch as they were two years ago. Maybe Carrick coming back will help him."

United return to action against Crystal Palace this weekend.