Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has claimed that Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is finding life "difficult" at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old has had a disrupted season under boss David Moyes due to injury, but previous reports have suggested that the Dutchman has questioned his manager's training methods.

Van Gaal believes that Van Persie will thrive for his national side in this summer's World Cup, but is struggling with the playing style at the Premier League outfit.

"I think he should be great in the tournament because he loves to play [for his country]," Goal.com quotes Van Gaal as saying. "He has shown that in all the qualification matches more than ever, because he's our top scorer, and I hope he can continue this.

"The football from Manchester United now is, for him, maybe difficult but then he wishes to show his ability. Technique [levels] in the Dutch team are higher. The Dutch team might benefit, you never know."

Van Persie was bought by former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson from Arsenal in 2012.