Manchester United striker Robin van Persie appears to have used his time off this week to get ready for Halloween.

The Dutchman was left out of United's matchday squad for their Champions League tie against Real Sociedad yesterday, which ended 1-0 in United's favour at Old Trafford.

Before it was confirmed that Van Persie would be rested for the clash, photographs of the striker shopping for Halloween costumes in Camden yesterday emerged on Twitter.

Some users of the social networking website claimed that the forward was accompanied by his wife and children.