GOAL

Robin van Persie admits he will have to consider his future at Manchester United, saying he is in a "strange and difficult" situation at the club.

The Netherlands international, restricted to 26 starts in the past season, says he needs to play regularly in the coming years but is wary of uprooting his family

The Dutchman was expected to become the main man at Old Trafford following the arrival of Louis van Gaal, but was snubbed for the captaincy and, partly due to injuries, started just 26 games in all competitions.

The 31-year-old ended the season with his lowest goal tally in five years, and, though wary of uprooting his family, admits he needs to be playing regularly in the coming years.

"It's a strange, difficult situation," said Van Persie. "A new situation, that's a better word. I have to think, in a realistic way. It's my ambition to play the next years."

The Dutchman, whose eight-year-old son, Shaqueel, currently plays for the Manchester City academy, continued: "I'm thinking about my family and my children with every decision I take. These are very important for me.

"I'm a real family guy. I think it's fantastic to see how happy my children and wife are. That's something I take in consideration when I'm thinking about my future."

Van Persie netted just 10 times in the Premier League this season and, while he was unhappy with his tally, believes the criticism he has received is simply a by-product of playing for a club of United's stature.

"That's at least seven goals short. But I think it's a compliment that people don't accept it," he added.

"Manchester United is a beast, and that has two sides. Manchester United is viewed and followed by more people than at other clubs and also more media. I have to deal with that. I made that choice and must accept the consequences."