Manchester United Transfer News: Matt Le Tissier Slams Coveted Robin Van Persie

Former Southampton star Matt Le Tissier had some harsh words for Manchester United's Robin van Persie after Sunday's derby loss against Manchester City, while Turkish side Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in a transfer move for the Dutch international.

Speaking on The Morning View, Le Tissier talked about Van Persie's shortcomings in the 2014-15 season, suggesting the 31-year-old has lost a step and is no longer a good fit at Old Trafford, via Sky Sports:

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It is a bit of a struggle for van Persie. I am not sure he is not feeling uncomfortable at the amount of great talent that is around him.

He always seemed to thrive when he was the main man. At the moment he is nowhere near that.

He is not finding his form and maybe he might be at that point in his career where he has gone just past his best and he is on his way down a little bit.

It gets highlighted when you are playing in such a high-profile team. If you are not doing it, you should come in for some stick.

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Van Persie has three Premier League goals in nine appearances this season, including the all-important equaliser against Chelsea in Week 9, as reported by WhoScored.com.

That's well below his usual standards, as Sky Sports showed in this comparison to City's Sergio Aguero (via Balls.ie):

Gary Neville was another pundit voicing his displeasure with Van Persie's performance so far in 2014-15, although he also defended the striker. Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst didn't agree, pointing out how the Dutchman simply isn't moving enough on the pitch:

Squawka's heat map from his match against the Citizens backs up that statement:

Van Persie continues to struggle, and following the arrival of Radamel Falcao, it's understandable to wonder where the former Arsenal skipper's future lies. He's never been used to not being the top star on a team, and his new, diminished role doesn't appear to suit him at all.

Fenerbahce will reportedly offer him a way out in the summer, according to the Daily Star's Alex Harris. The Turks have already acquired about his services and contacted his representatives, with a January move not an option for the Dutch forward.

Van Persie has lived and played in England since 2004, and his family has completely adjusted to living in the UK. At his age and with such a long history in the Premier League, a foreign adventure seems unlikely.

But in the event of a transfer, one has to wonder how many other options the Dutchman would have. His wages would complicate a move to a smaller Premier League side, with questions asked about how much he has left in the tank.

Of course, all of this is speculating. While it's undeniable Van Persie hasn't looked himself at all in the 2014-15 campaign, it's perfectly possible he turns things around before long and enjoys a productive second half of the season.

Adapting to the new system and learning how to play with some of the Red Devils' new stars will be key, but should Van Persie figure things out, pundits like Le Tissier will be forced to eat their words before long.

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