Robin Van Persie Lifts Lid on 'Confrontational' Manchester United Crisis Meeting

Robin van Persie has detailed a confrontational meeting held by Louis van Gaal after Manchester United's embarrassing 5-3 loss to Leicester City.

The Red Devils raced to 2-0 and 3-1 leads at the King Power Stadium, which eventually became the scene of major frustration for Van Gaal's struggling side. Van Persie spoke to Fox Sports News Australia (reported via ESPN) confirming the squad thrashed it out after their second Premier League loss of the season:  

"

It shouldn't be possible [losing in that manner], but it still happened. We have to deal with it. We had a proper look at it the next day. 

Sometimes it was a bit confronting. It was a long, one hour or something meeting, but we went from there, started again this week and a couple of really good sessions in and everyone feels ready to face West Ham.

"

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Van Persie is one of many United players who are yet to find a consistent stint of form this campaign. Despite scoring a deflected header against Leicester, the Dutchman's movement is lacking, and he is often failing to link with United's supporting numbers. 

Radamel Falcao played an excellent ball into the box for RvP's goal, suggesting the pair could form a formidable partnership if given time. Falcao's first start went well—he was involved and confidently progressed play—but it's obvious the Colombian needs playing time to reach full fitness.

Many have questioned whether the aforementioned strikers can play with Wayne Rooney in the No. 10 role behind them. Rooney's distribution often lacks precision, and he is prone to giving the ball away with poor first touches, two patterns which frustrated against Leicester.

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Van Persie believes the trio can work well together. "We want to play together," he said, per Fox Sports News Australia (via an alternate ESPN article). "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."

This threesome will go a long way to defining whether United can overcome West Ham on Saturday. Sam Allardyce's visitors proved their might with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool last time out and are more than equipped to impose further misery on Van Gaal's reign.

The Dutch boss has indicated Rooney won't be heading back into his preferred striker's role, per Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World:

Victory is vital for United, especially considering such a tough run of fixtures is on the horizon. Everton, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal will all provide opposition before the end of November, meaning points are going to be hard to come by.

United's supposed easy run is nearly over, ensuring the club's lack of progress remains a worry. Individuals such as Van Persie and Rooney need to lead their side out of a difficult period that has rarely looked like ending.

Although United's season has so far been defined by their hapless defence, the experienced forwards are also essential to ensuring the team's outlook, and indeed morale, stays positive.