Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has confirmed that striker Robin van Persie will miss the start of the Premier League season.
The 30-year-old has returned late to pre-season training with the Red Devils due to his exploits with the Netherlands at the World Cup this summer.
Van Gaal believes that the striker's fitness will not be up to standard in time for their Premier League opener against Swansea City on August 16.
He told reporters: "Robin wants to play every game, I know that, but so do the other 30 players in the squad. But players have to train and Robin needs a full training regime behind him before he can play again.
"Robin will begin training on Monday, but he won't play in the friendly against Valencia on August 12, definitely not. And he won't play in the Premier League at the start either, I think.
"People can criticise me for that decision but I know what you have to do with players who have had three weeks' holiday. Hopefully, Robin will get his fitness back very fast. But at this moment, he won't be playing."
Van Persie scored four goals at the World Cup as the Dutch finished in third place.
Simon Sinclair
