Van Persie getting back to his best

MANCHESTER United midfielder Michael Carrick has backed Robin van Persie to get back to his best as the fear factor slowly returns to Old Trafford.

United produced their most convincing display as they overpowered Hull 3–0 in a one–sided contest on Saturday - in which Van Persie scored a fine goal.

Van Persie’s form has been indifferent this season and he came in for heavy scrutiny after an ineffectual display in United’s unconvincing win at Arsenal on November 22.

But a week made a big difference and he repaid the faith of manager Louis van Gaal with a much–improved performance as Hull were swept aside. The 31–year–old threatened on a number of occasions and teed up a goal for Wayne Rooney before capping victory with a powerful left–foot strike.

Carrick said: “We all get criticised at certain times and it’s something you have to deal with. The best way to answer it is the way he did it against Hull. Robin scored a great goal and hopefully that will be the start of a good run over the weeks to come.”

United bid to secure a fourth straight win tonight as they play host to Stoke.