• Premier League

Van Persie: I can play with Rooney and Falcao

Robin van Persie says he wants to play alongside Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao and believes Manchester United are stronger when all three of them start.

Manager Louis van Gaal brought Falcao in on transfer deadline day and, while it gave the Dutchman plenty of options in attack, it also prompted questions about how he will accommodate all of his attacking talent.

The trio started in United's 5-3 defeat to Leicester last weekend but Van Persie is adamant they can form a destructive trio - and are in constant discussions on how to improve their understanding.

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Louis van Gaal needs time © PA Photos

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"We want to play together," Van Persie told Fox Sports News Australia. "We are constantly talking to each other [on] how we can improve our game together. Everyone feels that we are together that we are stronger.

"It's quite interesting to see one of those conversations because we all have the target. We want to win games. We want to share success. I don't think we have a confidence issue if I'm really honest."

United's variety in attack has given Van Gaal plenty of food for thought; he holds a close relationship with Van Persie after their Netherlands commitments at the World Cup and has cast doubt on Rooney's best position.

The manager admitted he was "not satisfied" with Rooney's return up front following the loss to Leicester and suggested Falcao can do better in one of his striker positions, meaning Rooney could be moved back into midfield.

The added weight of the United captaincy may also affect Rooney, but former United defender Rio Ferdinand suggested Van Gaal can turn the England international into a terror again.

Ferdinand also claimed Van Persie had been hit hardest by Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, with the forward now confirming his disappointment.

"Of course it [Ferguson's retirement] was a bit of a shock for everyone because it wasn't really announced before, it wasn't clear if he was going to go on or not," Van Persie said. "When he told us he would stop, of course it was a bit of a disappointment, yes."

However, Van Persie has full confidence in Van Gaal to bring success back to Old Trafford and stated all of his team-mates are buying into the 63-year-old's philosophy.

"His numbers speak for itself," Van Persie added. "He has succeeded everywhere he has managed. Everyone believes in his philosophy as well.

"If you look at the players we have now, the staff we have, the stadium, the fans - if you add all those things up, I'm very confident for the future."

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