Robin van Persie Axed as Manchester United Penalty-Taker by Louis van Gaal

Robin van Persie has been relieved of penalty-taking duties at Manchester United following his miss from the spot in the Red Devils' 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The Dutchman had the chance to equalise against Tony Pulis' side, but goalkeeper Boaz Myhill dived low to his left to palm it away as United went on to record their third league defeat in a row.

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Asked if Van Persie would continue as United's No. 1 penalty-taker, manager Louis van Gaal stated that he would not, per BBC Sport: "No. He is now at the end of the road. It is always [the same]. Wayne Rooney has missed also, so when you miss, you are at the bottom again."

Van Persie's start against West Brom was his first since February, and he was arguably lacking sharpness, though Myhill's save was still impressive, per the Express and Star's Steve Madeley:

Jonas Olsson's deflected goal was enough to hand West Brom a vital win at Old Trafford, and United have now lost three on the bounce without scoring a goal.

With three games remaining, the fourth-placed Red Devils are in danger of allowing Liverpool to leapfrog them into the final Champions League spot.

They face a must-win game away to Crystal Palace on Saturday before a tricky home encounter against Arsenal and a clash with Hull City at the KC Stadium on the last day of the season.