Manchester United lucky to get full season out of Robin van Persie again - Kevin Kilbane

ROBIN VAN PERSIE may not play a full season again at Manchester United, former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane has warned.

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Van Persie has played just 26 appearances for Manchester United this season and has been out since February with an ankle injury.

It was hoped he would recover in time for this afternoon’s derby with Manchester City at Old Trafford, but manager Louis van Gaal ruled out a return in the week.

And Kilbane, who earned 110 caps for Ireland, believes the Dutchman will struggle to get back into the United first team.

"Robin van Persie has been struggling this season,” he said on MOTD2 Extra.

“You take him out of it United look a different side.

“The problem is if he's not starting.

“He's not going to be happy. Is he ever going to be fit to play a full season now?"

Van Persie’s United contract expires in 2016 and the former Arsenal striker has reported had interest from Italy regarding a summer transfer.

Both Juventus and Inter are said to be considering £18million bids for the 31-year-old, a £6m drop on the fee United paid for him three years ago.

Robin van Persie heads in for Man UtdGETTY

Robin van Persie has been out injured since February

And Kilbane isn’t the only ex-player who believes Van Perise’s time in the Premier League may be up, after former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher said he doubts the forward will break past Wayne Rooney into the United XI.

“On the back of the World Cup (last summer) it took Van Persie a while for him to get going and get back in the team, and I think it has been difficult for him this season and last season with injury,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“He suffered a lot at Arsenal with injuries, but his first season at United seemed to be without trouble.

“It hasn’t been the same since. If Van Gaal just wants to play with one striker it would be Wayne Rooney, so Van Persie will have to wait his turn.”

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