Robin Van Persie has been ruled out of action for a month.

A thigh injury will prevent him playing for United until 2014.

“Robin van Persie is out as well for a month,” Moyes told reporters. “He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner kick which led to the goal.”

With United desperate to improve our place in the table, an injury to the league top scorer for the past two seasons really is the last thing we need.

There have been rumours that Van Persie is unhappy with David Moyes’ training methods. In the summer, the new manager was criticised by some for acknowledging that he had been “overtraining” the Dutch striker.

Having got through last season practically injury-free, questions will be asked of Moyes and any possible impact he’s having on Van Persie’s fitness.