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Van Persie debunk rumour that he is not happy at United

Published

10 years ago

March 14, 2014

Robin van Persie has angrily denounced rumours that he is unsettled at Old Trafford , claiming, not only that he wants to stay at Manchester United, but
that he is happy with his teammates, his coaches and his manager.
Van Persie told United Review : “The last time I checked my head was still attached to my body. So
I’m the only one who knows exactly what I’m feeling and that is not
what I or the fans have been reading.”
It’s about time. Van Persie may have scored the goals that won
United their last title, but he will be 31 when the next season starts
and he has hardly distinguished himself in this difficult campaign.
David Moyes’ decision to field Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at the
heart of his defence last weekend was the first conclusive sign that the
Scotsman is now looking ahead to next season. Nemanja Vidic is
bound for Serie A and Rio Ferdinand will withdraw to spend more
time with his branded hats. There is a case for removing Van Persie
as well.
The Dutchman hit 26 league goals last season, covering for the
deficiencies of Wayne Rooney, who only added five of his own after
Christmas. He was happy, he was motivated and he pulled United’s
bottom out of the fire on more occasions than it seems polite to
mention. But he has been more of a hindrance than a help this season.
Nothing is certain in football, but there are two outcomes that seem
highly likely this summer. Firstly, that there will be no uncertainty
over Wayne Rooney’s future now that he has signed an extended and
improved deal. He is staying, so it might be an idea if Van Persie
passes to him every now and then.
Secondly, it seems highly likely United will back Moyes and give him
a chance to prove himself. This is a club far more open with the
media, publicly and privately, than under the previous administration,
and though they are gravely concerned at recent performances, there
has been no indication that Moyes’ position is in under threat. For
now…
With that in mind, there’s no point in worrying about this season.
Faint hope still flickers in the Champions League, but all else is ashes
and dust. Moyes needs performances and positivity, and he’s not
getting either from Van Persie.
Van Persie’s relationship with Moyes has been a whole world of
“reportedly,” a steady stream of rumours, whispers and briefings from
both camps.
His comments about other players getting his way against Olympiakos
could be interpreted as either an attack on his colleagues, or his
manager’s tactics, or both, but it’s hard to spin any positives from his
words. No wonder his clarification statement was so long. He had a
lot of ground to cover.
Van Persie is actually United’s most efficient striker this season,
striking 11 times from just 16 starts, but statistics only ever tell you a
part of the story. Anyone with eyes can see that this is a very
different Van Persie from the one who fired United to the title last
season. The way he clattered around the Hawthorns, lashing out in
frustration and coming so close to being dismissed, spoke volumes. The
sullen shake of the head that greeted his withdrawal indicated that he
did not agree with the prevailing wisdom that he was removed by
Moyes for his own good.
Last season, of course, was very different. Back then he was playing
for arguably the greatest manager of all the time and clearly revelled
in it. Upon ending a 10-game goalscoring drought, he raced towards
Ferguson and leapt into his arms. “He nearly killed me,” said
Ferguson afterwards. “He forgets that I’m 71.”
Somehow, it’s hard to imagine Moyes and Van Persie running
towards each other with arms outstretched. The Scotsman could
hardly be blamed for wondering if it was time to cash in. He would
not bring an enormous transfer fee, but his exit would free up a
significant chunk of the pay roll.
Since the Bosman ruling, transfer fees have diminished in relevance,
increasingly becoming mere reflections of the value of the contract
they end, as well as of the value of the player. It’s less about how
much you spend, and more about how much you pay.
Van Persie’s reported 250,000 pound weekly pay could be delivered
to him in an armoured truck. That’s money that could be better spent
rebuilding the midfield.
In his short time at the club, Van Persie has done enough to win the
hearts of the supporters and his contribution should not be taken
lightly, especially with the flaws of the last title-winning side so
obvious. But United fans will have to hope that this statement means
that a change of attitude will be forthcoming.
As it stands, he doesn’t seem able to work with Rooney and he hasn’t
seemed happy with Moyes. And if the two of them are staying, then
Van Persie’s position may not be as secure as he believes it to be.