I don't want a rest! Van Persie tells Fergie to start him against Reading



Robin van Persie has asked Sir Alex Ferguson to play him in Monday night’s FA Cup visit of Reading, claiming his form suffers if he goes too long without matches.

Ferguson is looking to rest players for the fifth-round tie following the intensity of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash at Real Madrid.

But Van Persie, whose 22 goals this season have been a major factor in United chasing trophies on three fronts, does not want to be among the changes.

Rhythm: Robin van Persie says he benefits from playing every week

‘I’m used to playing games every few days. I like it because I get into a rhythm,’ he said.

‘When you don’t play for more than a week, it can take you 10-15 minutes to start because you’re missing that rhythm. I prefer to keep going, to keep playing game after game.

‘I love the buzz, drama and excitement of the big games like Real Madrid. But I know that the smaller games are very important, too — they’re the ones that make you champions.

‘The way this season is going, it feels like it could be very special. And when you’re at United every game is a big game.’

Decisions: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) is considering resting the Dutchman

It will be fascinating to see if Ferguson heeds Van Persie’s plea to pick him because, if the striker is rested, it will be a 10-day gap between Real and QPR next weekend. But the United boss is keen to use his full squad.