Robin van Persie admits 'I should have put that one in' after miss against Real Madrid

Manchester United striker missed golden opportunity at the Bernabeu

Robin van Persie of Manchester United clashes with Angel Di Maria of Real Madrid (Getty Images)

Despite netting 19 goals in the Premier League so far this season, Robin van Persie may have come away from Manchester United’s Champions League fixture against Real Madrid feeling unfortunate.

The Dutch striker is leading the list of the Premier League’s top goal scorers and has spearheaded United’s bid to reclaim their domestic league title.

However, during last night’s first leg of the last 16 tie against Madrid, which ended 1-1, Van Persie was out of luck.

"I had three (chances) in the second half, especially the one just after I hit the bar. That was a big chance. I should have put that one in. I just slightly mis-kicked it, didn't hit it properly," Van Persie said.

"With a bit of luck it could have gone in but they didn't and in the dying seconds the keeper made a really good save - I was counting on that one to go in."

Danny Welbeck was United’s man of the moment, as he opened the scoring for his side and capitalised on a poor performance from Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

During the second half, a fierce Van Persie shot was turned onto the post by Madrid keeper Diego Lopez and another poorly struck volley was later cleared off the line by midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Despite the missed chances, the Dutchman stated that 1-1 was a good result for United.

"We had a couple of good chances and I think if you'd said we would play out a 1-1 before the game, most of us would take it," the 29-year-old said.

"Away from home it's a good result. For the people who watched that game, they've seen chances on both sides and I think it was a great game to watch."