Martin O'Neill compares Robin van Persie to Lionel Messi

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has claimed that Robin van Persie is as important to Manchester United as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.

The Dutchman was on target for the Red Devils in their 3-1 win against Sunderland at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.

"With players of the calibre of Van Persie in your side, you always have a chance of winning football matches." O'Neill told reporters. "Would, for instance, Barcelona have the same effect if Lionel Messi didn't play?

"The number of goals Messi has scored is incredible. They are a very talented team but without him, you don't know, because Messi is their talisman.

"Honestly, Van Persie can get goals out of very little. It looks like nothing is happening and you have players there in the area. But all of a sudden he has opened up a gap."

Van Persie has scored 12 goals in 17 Premier League matches for United so far this season.