Robin van Persie names Cody Gakpo's four best positions amid Manchester United transfer links

Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has warned his old club that PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo is not an "out-and-out striker" amid ongoing reports linking him with a move to M16.

The 23-year-old, who has started this season in devastating form, was close to joining United during the summer transfer window, recently admitting that he held talks with manager Erik ten Hag about a move to Old Trafford. The Reds were desperate to recruit a winger during the summer and Gakpo, along with Antony, was identified as a possible target.

The Netherlands international, who will have ambitions of starring at the World Cup next month, was outstanding last season, scoring 21 goals and grabbing 15 assists for PSV. He has started this term in equally impressive fashion, netting 13 goals and claiming 13 assists.

Gakpo has chalked up all of his goal contributions so far this term from the left-wing, meaning he has proven that is his best role. However, some reports have suggested that United could rekindle their interest in him in January and use him as a striker, such is their need to recruit a new No.9 in 2023.

However, former Reds star Van Persie, who netted 58 goals during his Old Trafford career, has admitted that Gakpo is not a recognised centre-forward. Nevertheless, he believes is capable of thriving in other positions, meaning he is not restricted to just playing on the left.

"He is a good player and always finds a way in most games to have an influence, in terms of getting an assist or scoring a goal," Van Persie told BT Sport. "He is always dangerous.

"He is not really an out-and-out striker; he can play as a No.10, on the [left] wing, as a false striker or on the right-wing. He can play in those four positions in the front.

"He has a good physique. He is strong, fast and can dribble. He is an all-round player."