Barca Bound? Why Manchester United Must Keep Hold Of Van Persie If They Are Serious About Title Challenge

Things aren't going too well at Manchester United this season. They currently sit 12 points behind Arsenal having played a game extra and are in suspense regarding an apparent transfer request from last season's top scorer in the Premier League, Robin van Persie. Now, according to the exclusive reports from Sports Direct News, Barcelona are lurking. But if Moyes is serious about retaining the Premier League title, which right now looks unlikely, he needs to hang onto the Dutch forward.

Last season the former Arsenal striker struck 30 goals in all competitions to fire the Red Devils to the Premier League title and give them a chance in other competitions, and still offers United something that they don't currently hold.

While Rooney rampages round the pitch and Hernandez waits in the box for something to fall for him, Van Persie is capable of dropping deep to collect the ball before elegantly stroking the ball into the back of the net from any angle. He is all about the technique.

Despite not being fit for a lot of the season, van Persie has already scored 10 goals this season, seven of which in the Premier League. His movement is still good and he's willing to put a shift in, which we witnessed at the weekend ainst Newcastle. He was deployed in a deeper role, and although he wasn't used to being the creative hub, he ran the attacking unit.

If Moyes wants to compete at the very highest level he can't afford to lose players in van Persie's calibre.