David Moyes has rebuffed Arsene Wenger’s claim that Robin van Persie will always be an Arsenal player ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash.
The enigmatic Arsenal manager said today that ‘for me he is an Arsenal man’, citing the fact that Van Persie had developed into the player he is today while in north London.
But Moyes dismissed his counterpart’s assertion, saying that he has no doubt over how the fans view the Dutchman.
He said: “He [van Persie] started in England at Arsenal but won the title here. I think people in Manchester see him as a United player.”
The Scot also moved to deflate Arsenal hopes of securing their first Old Trafford victory since 2006.
“Arsenal are coming to play the champions. They’re top and will come here in good spirits, but we want to put on a good show,” said Moyes.
“We want to keep the results going and keep improving. We want to keep the run going. Arsenal’s form has been very good, but we’re trying to continue our momentum.
The last time Arsenal won at Old Trafford was when Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm, and Wenger spoke of how it will feel ‘strange’ to play a United team without Sir Alex for the first time, but backed Moyes to cope with the pressure.
“It will be a bit strange without Sir Alex Ferguson there on Sunday,” said the Frenchman.
“When someone has been there for 26 years and goes, it takes time for the guy who comes in.
“It is very dangerous and difficult for the manager who comes in. For me, Moyes is dealing very well with the situation.”
Wayne Rooney sought to further wind up the tension ahead of the match, saying that Arsenal must be ‘sick of the sight’ of him .
The Manchester United striker threw barbs Arsenal’s way yesterday, voicing his opinion that the north London club – who are currently five points clear at the top of the table – have been known to bottle it during the business end of the season.
It was winding-up exercise which he continued today, reminiscing on some of the memorable goals he has scored against Arsene Wenger’s men.
“Arsenal do crop up quite often,” he said. “It is a bit weird. I am sure they must be sick of the sight of me at times. That first goal for Everton does seem like a long time ago.”
He also reminded this weekend’s opponents of the 2004 game in which United ended Arsenal’s famous unbeaten ‘Invincibles’ run.
“I will always remember the 2004 game,” said Rooney. “That was as tense as I ever remember it before a game. Arsenal were a fantastic team and it was a great feeling to beat them 2-0 and end that record.”
Despite sitting eight points adrift of the Gunners, United are on an eight-game unbeaten streak and, although Rooney is aware of Arsenal’s good form – they defeated Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund this week – he believes it is the right time to be able to throw a spanner in the works.
“It is the perfect fixture for us,” said the 28-year-old. “Arsenal are obviously doing really well but with our current form, it is a chance for us to get a bit closer in the table.
“Certainly they seem in a better place [than six years ago]. They seem stronger. We know we will have to be at our best to beat them but we are capable of that.”
Image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks.
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