Robin van Persie is April's Premier League Player of the Month

Robin van Persie, recently overlooked for two major awards, has been named as Barclays Player of the Month for April.

The Manchester United striker was second to Gareth Bale for the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year earlier this week.

Bale also fought off Van Persie to land the PFA Player of the Year award.

The Dutchman's six goals in April helped United to secure their 20th league title with four games to spare.

Van Persie, 29, has hit 25 league goals since moving from Arsenal for £24m last August.

His hat-trick in the 3-0 win against Aston Villa on 22 April saw United clinch the title ahead of Manchester City, who tried to sign Van Persie last summer.

Earlier this season, City boss Roberto Mancini said his failure to land Van Persie was the difference between the two teams in the title race.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I remember Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saying to me 'he's better than you think' when we concluded the deal. He was right."