Man United trying to offload Van Persie

The striker has been heavily linked with a move
away from Old Trafford in recent months and the
former Netherlands international says the club are
keen to offload his compatriot
Manchester United are attempting to sell Robin van
Persie without the striker's knowledge, according
to former Netherlands international Pierre van
Hooijdonk.
Van Persie has been heavily linked with a move
away from Old Trafford this summer, having
struggled to nail down a place in Louis van Gaal’s
starting XI in 2014-15.
The 31-year-old hinted at a move in June,
insisting that he needs regular first-team football,
and Van Hooijdonk claims that United started
looking for potential buyers in January.
“As early as January of this year, I received
information from Turkey about Robin and
Fenerbahce. The minute this information came, you
knew that United had sent people to test the water
for a move,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily
Mirror .
“Agents and others were searching for big clubs
who are prepared to pay the high fee involved for
Van Persie. Robin’s contract expires next year, so
this is the moment when United can still get
money for him.”
He continued: “Van Persie is in a difficult situation.
To the outside world he says he is happy to stay
and I can understand this. But Robin has the
feeling that United want to get rid of him.
“A big club in England, Spain or Germany is a
more attractive option. Until the player realises that
behind his back the two clubs have done a big
deal.
“That is the moment the pressure is put on. You
are almost forced to go to the club where your
employer has struck a deal. This is what I mean
with games being played right now.”
Former Fenerbahce forward Van Hooijdonk believes
that his old club are interested in signing the
Dutchman, and feels Van Persie should leave
United this year.
“Of course the money is good, life is good in
Istanbul, but it is not a big football league in
Europe we are talking about,” he added.
“There is a lot at stake right now for Robin. He
could be heading for his last Euro tournament in
France next summer. So he needs to play a lot in
the 10 months before the Euros.
“I would advise Robin to leave United this summer.
All the signals are there that the club wants to sell
him. So he has to get out on time.”