Mark Lawrenson believes that Manchester United's on-fire signing Robin van Persie is the man who should win player of the season, should his form continue, despite Luis Suarez being massively influential for Liverpool and throughout the Premier League.

Van Persie has often been the difference between taking maximum points for United this season, and as a result of the Dutchman's efforts, the club are currently top of the table and seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Suarez has been equally important for Liverpool, giving the club hope amidst a poor start to the season that saw them finish the year worse off than under Kenny Dalglish in 2011.

But Lawrenson believes that no player can compare to van Persie in the Premier League so far, with the striker shrugging off the pressure of a big money move to score game after game.

"I can see why so many people are tipping Luis Suarez to rival Robin van Persie for Player of the Year," he said in the Daily Mirror.

Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie has been player of the season so far, according to Mark Lawrenson.

"Gareth Bale and Michu must be considered too but I can't see beyond Van Persie. The pressure has been on him this season - and he has delivered.

"Yes, Suarez is doing the business in a mid-table team but the Dutchman has shot Manchester United to all sorts of wins. He scores all sorts of goals. He saved United in the Cup and has fired them to the top of the table. It has to be Van Persie for me."

Van Persie is currently the league's top scorer with 16 goals, while Suarez isn't far behind with 15.

If the duo continue to dominate in front of the net for the rest of the season, they will no doubt be neck and neck over who can take out the ultimate individual prize in England.

Manchester United FC