ROBIN VAN PERSIE has hit out at media speculation that he is unhappy with Manchester United boss David Moyes and rumours he is nearing the Old Trafford exit door.
The Dutch striker reignited transfer talk last weekend with two reckless challenges, leading to an early substitution, against West Brom. Van Persie told United Review he does not mind criticism for, and opinions on, his recent performances. He has taken issue, however, with reports of him being unsettled with the league champions.
“What I need to address,” he said, “are the situations when people are taking it upon themselves to think for me, make assumptions, or interpret things as if they are me. 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.
The truth is I’m very happy here at this club. I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay even longer, beyond the next two years I have left on my contract. This is how I feel, although it’s not what has been suggested in the media.”
Van Persie stated he is very happy with his manager and teammates despite his recent comments to Dutch TV about United players occupying the space he likes to run into. Turning his thoughts to Moyes, he commented, “I’ve been a professional footballer for 12 years now and there’s no doubt I’m learning new things and progressing with David Moyes.
“Like I said, talk about my performances or talk about a tackle that was too late. I don’t mind. But it goes too far when people start suggesting, amongst other things, that I have a bad understanding with the manager. That’s not true at all.”
Alluding to a possible switch to management when he eventually retires, van Persie declared an interest in closely studying all the coaches he has played under. “I can tell you,” he added, “that Moyes’ [training] sessions and the things he says in his team meetings are spot-on. I really enjoy working under him and I’m absolutely convinced things will pick up and we’ll turn it around.
“There is mutual respect between us and the work environment is actually good. He really wants things to work here at Manchester United and I want the same, just like the other players. We’re all working hard to make this work.”
