But it appears that his removal from that World Cup qualifier was merely a precaution and, with England centre-forward Wayne Rooney still sidelined after cutting his leg badly in the recent win over Fulham, van Persie's fitness is all the more important for United.
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has been impressed by the start the Dutchman has made to his United career, with four goals in his first three EPL appearances.
"He has been perfect for what we needed to do. We have brought the right player in," Schmeichel said.
That concluding day of last season, when United lost the league title on goal difference to bitter rivals Manchester City, remains a painful memory for Ferguson and his team.
Thanks to van Persie, United have scored six goals in their past two league games - wins over Fulham and Southampton - but their goal difference only remains at plus one.
Wigan's visit to Old Trafford offers United a chance for revenge after the Latics delivered a fatal blow to Ferguson's Premier League title ambitions last season.Battling relegation, Roberto Martinez's side secured a surprise 1-0 win at the DW Stadium in April, but they have failed to pick up a single point in any of their seven Premier League visits to Old Trafford.Wigan have scored just once at United's home, a stoppage-time penalty by Leighton Baines on Boxing Day 2006, and have conceded 24 times.In addition, they have had three players sent off in their last two visits to United - Conor Sammon, Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega.Defender Alcaraz is a major doubt with a groin injury he suffered in Paraguay's 2-0 home defeat to Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier in midweek.
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