Van Persie lashes out at Manchester United teammates. Read on to know why...

Manchester United’s Dutch striker Robin van Persie criticised some of his Manchester United teammates for "sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in" following their 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League last-16 opening leg at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Tuesday.

Van Persie told the Dutch TV channel NOS: "Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in. And when I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well. So that forces me to adjust my runs, based on the position of my fellow players. And unfortunately, they're often playing in my zones. I think that's a shame."

The striker, who fluffed a chance towards the end of the game, said: "I rushed that shot. That's a shame because I don't get a lot of chances so when you get one, you have to score." 

Image: Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie of Manchester United react as they restart the game after conceding the first goal during their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match against Olympiacos at Karaiskakis Stadium on Tuesday

Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images