Manchester United boss David Moyes has admitted that he withdrew Robin van Persie due to fears about the Dutch striker being sent off as they beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 on Saturday.

The United forward was given a yellow card on 50 minutes, and while Moyes claims that he was always going to substitute the player, he brought the change forward due to the possibility of losing him with the second booking.

Moyes told the MUTV: "I thought it was a foul, but it did not warrant a yellow card. I was always taking him off anyway because he played 90 minutes for Holland in midweek.

"I actually told him in the hotel that I'd try to get him off at the right time in the game, so it made the decision easy.

"I couldn't afford him to have another challenge and give the referee a decision to make."

United are currently sixth in the Premier League.