Manchester United boss David Moyes admits he leaves Robin van Persie's injury assessment to the player.
He is so desperate to get the best out of Van Persie between now and May that he will let the striker tell him when he is available for selection.
Moyes, whose side travel to Stoke today, said: "Most of the time I've taken Robin's advice.
"I've asked him where he feels he is at and if he's ready to play. I've spoken to him about how he feels and for how long he thinks he can play.
"Nearly all the things I'm doing, I'm taking the lead from Robin. Even prior to his injury I would listen to what he's got to say.
"He's a player that's so important to us that I need to know exactly where he's at.
"I think we've had some very good performances this season that haven't been reported on.
"But we won the other night and I thought we did okay, but the difference was I won because I had Robin Van Persie in the team.
"He's somebody who can score, somebody who can make a difference and get you that winning goal.
"I think we've missed that, when maybe you are not quite playing at your best but somebody can get you that goal and we've not had Robin for almost three months really. It's been quite tough."
