Robin van Persie carried Arsenal through last season, scoring 30 goals in 38 league games, although they still finished a massive 19 points behind United.
Having spent eight seasons at Arsenal, only winning one trophy (the FA Cup vs United in his first season), nobody (apart from Arsenal fans) could blame him for wanting to move to a club that had a greater chance of success. In Arsenal’s seven barren years, United have won nine trophies: four Premier League titles, the Champions League, three League Cups and the World Club Cup.
“When I have to make tough decisions in my life I listen to the little boy inside me,” Van Persie said after signing for United. “That little boy was screaming ‘Manchester United’. Manchester United breathes football. This club is the perfect match for me.”
United are currently 2nd in the league, already six points ahead of Arsenal, with our new striker having scored six goals in eight games.
Next month, Arsenal come to Old Trafford and Van Persie will face his former club for the first time. Given the reaction the likes of Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy have received for leaving for silverware, you can imagine what the atmosphere will be like when they’re confronted with Van Persie for the first time.
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