Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Robin van Persie some advice to end his scoring drought.

As a former striker himself, the Scot is uniquely placed to offer advice in times of such strife.

And, while he retains a firm belief Van Persie will turn his present situation around, he always remembers the wise words his dad came out with.

"My dad always used to say 'make sure you batter the ball - don't tap it or try and side-foot it into the net'," Ferguson said.

"That's what I always tell strikers too. If the goalkeeper saves it, you can say 'what a great save'. But if you try to side-foot it and the keeper catches it easily you get criticised.

"The goals will come. All strikers have little dry spells. You have to get through that period and not lose your faith and belief in yourself."