United rely on Van Persie in Rooney's absence

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United will need new signing Robin van Persie to shoulder the goal-scoring burden when they travel to promoted Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday (0400 pm British time) without the injured Wayne Rooney. Former Arsenal striker Van Persie scored on his first start for United in the 3-2 comeback win over Fulham last weekend and manager Alex Ferguson was delighted with the way the Dutchman linked up with fellow new signing Shinji Kagawa who was also on target. "I was pleased with both of them. ......