Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has hailed the ability of Robin van Persie.

Meulensteen believes Van Persie's strengths are now improving the emerging players in the Old Trafford ranks.

Meulensteen explained: "Robin has a phenomenal eye for free space. I don't know another player who creates space for himself so well.

"As a coach that was one of the first challenges for me. Trying to show to the other players what kind of striker Robin is and how they have to play with him in the team."