ROBIN VAN PERSIE believes Michael Carrick’s performance in central defence played a key part in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
Louis van Gaal was forced into another defensive reshuffle following Marcos Rojo’s injury during training on Friday but a back three of Carrick, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones, along with a stellar display from goalkeeper David De Gea, was able to nullify Liverpool at Old Trafford.
“I think today Carrick at the back made a big difference,” Van Persie told Sky Sports.
“He’s so confident on the ball. Jones played really well, all the back four or five played really well. They were really calm today.”
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Van Persie secured United’s sixth consecutive victory which has given the club a three-point cushion over West Ham, who sit in fourth place.
“I think in those games it’s always important to score first,” said the Dutchman.
“It just gives you an extra bit of confidence, and although I think at times we were a bit sloppy, but overall we kept the ball well and played the ball well.”
Mata’s goal from close range doubled United’s lead five minutes before the break but Van Persie admits he got a touch on the ball, which put the Spaniard in a offside position when he fired past Brad Jones.
“I got a touch, yeah, I have to be honest,” Van Persie said. “I got a touch so you can put that down as an assist!”
Makes me feel better about the odd double digit holes on my scorecards!
He better turn things around quick or Els he’s out
He’ll Ernies par next hole
Although the big eeejit hashtag is a witty take on ernies big easy nickname, to use it in circumstances like this shows you know nothing about golf as no true golfer or golf fan would ever mock or make fun of someone who has the yips. And no, it doesnt matter that ernie will never see it or be offended by it, i find it classless in the extreme.
What yips? Any blue ghosts?
He 3 putted the next for par aswell
You should hit the range Barry. Get it all out.
Barry, I’d say you’re mighty craic on a night out
I feel his struggle
Barry, you’re some gimp
Does anyone here know Barney Carroll?
Video shows 6 putts.
Won’t take long till someone puts Benny Hill music to that!!!
Just tap tap tap it in!
It was a 9
Inexcusable. Can he see????
He has the yips, has had them for a few years. Basically means his wrists jerk uncontrollably on short putts, he said after he might consider retiring because of it.
Look at his right wrist closely in video above. It has a mind of its own. Horrible feeling I’m sure. I’d nearly rather have a dose of the davey crocketts