Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has backed Robin van Persie to rediscover his clinical form following his goal against Hull City on Saturday.

The Dutchman had been criticised for touching the ball just 13 times during last weekend's 2-1 win at Arsenal, with United manager Louis van Gaal even admitting that it was a "very bad game" from his fellow countryman.

However, Van Persie responded by scoring only his fourth goal of the campaign in the 3-0 victory over Hull - a moment that Cole believes could do wonders for his confidence.

"As all centre-forwards know, it's all about confidence. If you ask Robin himself, he will say that he's gone through a tough patch. He's got himself a quality goal and that's what Robin can do," former United forward Cole told Goals on Sunday.

"He's got a quality left foot. He's taken a bit of a stick this season, but hopefully [the goal] will galvanise him for the rest of the season."

Van Persie has scored 52 goals in 88 outings for the Red Devils since joining from the Gunners in 2012.