Injured Robin van Persie to miss Manchester United’s holiday fixtures

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out for a month with a thigh injury (PA)

Robin van Persie will play no part in Manchester United’s Christmas programme after being ruled out for a month with a thigh injury, manager David Moyes said yesterday.

“He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner kick which led to the goal [against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday],” Moyes said ahead of tomorrow’s game at Aston Villa.

The Dutchman, who has scored seven goals in 11 Premier League matches this season, returned from a groin injury in last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle United.

His absence will be a major blow to Moyes as United try to repair the damage of their poor first third of the season which has left them in ninth place, 13 points behind leaders Arsenal.

“It’s unfortunate because I think if you look at our record with Wayne Rooney and Robin in the team, it is actually very good and we have not had them for quite a period recently,” Moyes said.