Exclusive – Paul Parker: Robin van Persie has taken the pressure off Wayne Rooney’s shoulders

Paul Parker has hailed the impact of Robin van Persie at Manchester United and insisted his goalscoring form has help Wayne Rooney flourish.

The England striker was the Red Devils’ main outlet up front last season and bagged an impressive 27 goals as they finished second in the Premier League behind Man City, but he is now turning in tremendous displays in a deeper role at Old Trafford.

And Parker reckons the signing of Van Persie has eased the pressure on Rooney to be a goalscorer, which has resulted in him playing well just behind the Dutchman and added another dimension to their attacking play.

He told the Weekend Sports Breakfast: “They do look confident and I think Robin van Persie has done that.

“He’s come in and added goals but what he’s added as well is that he’s got everyone together. He seems to have galvanised them.

“Wayne Rooney, even playing in a deeper role, he looks more confident and happier than he looked last season when all the onus was on him to try and get Manchester United to stop Man City winning the Premier League last season.

“Wayne had that all on his shoulders but now RVP has shown up ad he’s like a release valve for Rooney.”

Parker has also been pleased with Javier Hernandez’s return to form at Old Trafford.

The Mexican had a sensational debut season two years ago scoring 20 goals across all competitions, that fell to just 12 strikes last campaign.

But this year he has already netted 15 as he fights for a place in Manchester United’s starting line up.

Parker added: “We’re seeing Chicharito come off the bench and prove himself, he wants to score goals.

“He wasn’t at his best last season but he seems to have got himself going.”