Van Persie expects United to spend ?200m

ESPN FC’s Stewart Robson believes Angel Di Maria could be Manchester United’s most influential player next season.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie expects the club to spend another £200 million strengthening the squad.

United finished fourth in the Premier League last season after spending to a similar level, booking a return to the Champions League. Now they are targeting a title challenge under boss Louis van Gaal and another summer transfer spree is expected.

Van Gaal has been linked with moves for Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Real Madrid forwards Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema after signing six players 12 months ago.

Van Persie, 31, told the Manchester Evening News: “United spent £200 million on players last year and they are going to spend another £200 million this summer so we will have a team that can compete for the title.”

The Netherlands international has suffered a troubled time at United in the past two seasons as injuries his fitness and form. He scored 26 goals in his first season at Old Trafford, and although he netted 12 and 10 goals respectively in the last two campaigns he has looked a shadow of the player signed from Arsenal for £25 million in 2012.

Now he hopes to put his problems behind him and return to his best.

Robin van Persie has scored 48 Premier League goals for Man United.

He added: “It is my ambition to play as many games as possible [next season]. I feel fitter than ever.

“And I know that the more games I play, the more it will help me prepare for the European Championships next summer.

“I will take everything into consideration when I decide on my future and I know I have to be realistic about the situation.”

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