Manchester United have received a major boost ahead of their weekend’s away encounter at Sunderland as talismanic striker Robin Van Persie is set for a return. The Guardian reports that the 31 year old is now on line to feature for the Red Devils finally after attaining match fitness.

The former Arsenal star returned late to United’s pre season camp after Netherlands finished third in the World Cup in Brazil. It comes as a welcome boost for manager Louis Van Gaal after a day of mixed fortunes at the club. First midfielder Marouane Fellaini looks to have damaged his ankle ligaments in training and later United having signed Argentine defender Marcos Rojo in a €20m deal with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

United had a disastrous start to their 2014-15 Premier League campaign losing their opening weekend’s fixture to Swansea at Old Trafford. Should Van Persie be fit to start, Van Gaal is expected to field him alongside Wayne Rooney up front at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.