Former Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp says Manchester United striker Robin van Persie deserves the PFA Player of the Year award.

Redknapp wrote in the Daily Mail: "His hat-trick against Aston Villa last night took his tally to 24 in the league this season and past Luis Suarez at the top of the scoring chart. Now he could be double Footballer of the Year for a second year in succession, a feat previously achieved by Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"When Manchester City's transfer negotiators missed out on Van Persie, Roberto Mancini said it would tip the balance back towards United. And he was right. Robin has just come out of a sticky spell, but he is the player who has made the difference.

"This team may not be as fondly remembered as the 1999 treble team, but the name on the trophy will still be the same."