Robin van Persie is thrilled with Manchester United’s latest spending spree, and he can’t wait to link up with the new arrivals.
Having finished seventh in the Premier League last season, there was always likely to be big changes at Old Trafford in the summer. David Moyes was sacked towards the end of last term, and Louis van Gaal, who led Holland to the World Cup semi-finals in Brazil, has been handed the task of returning the Reds to the top-four this term.
The Dutchman sanctioned the arrivals of Southampton fullback Luke Shaw and Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera earlier this summer, but the real spending has taken place in more recent weeks. Marcos Rojo, the Argentina international, has joined from Sporting Lisbon, and Daley Blind has been added to the squad from Ajax.
But it is the British record capture of Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria, for £59.6million, and loan signing of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao which have really set the pulses racing at Old Trafford. And speaking ahead of the Queens Park Rangers match on Sunday, van Persie has spoken of his excitement at the new arrivals in the red half of Manchester.
“I can’t wait to go and train and play with the world class players we have signed – wow!” he said in the Daily Mirror. “That feeling, that we are going to perform well, has only got stronger after the buying of players over the last weeks. I find it very exciting. For me personally, it’s brilliant to go and play with some of the best players in the world. It’s great that I can go and train and play with them every day.’’
One player who probably doesn’t share van Persie’s excitement is Nick Powell, who is unlikely to link up with the recently arrived superstars for some time yet. The 20-year-old has struggled to force his way into van Gaal’s plans this season, and he will now spend the campaign on loan at Premier League new-boys Leicester City.
“I was on to my agent all day and he is probably sick of my voice, but I am glad it is done,” the midfielder told the Leicester Mercury. “I tried to push it through with my agent because I wanted regular football, to be more involved in the Premier League, and we thought we would get a better opportunity here. I am here to get some experience and improve. I am hoping to do well in the Premier League and help Leicester stay up.”
With all the additions to the United squad this summer, is it nailed on that they’ll return to the top-four this season? Tell us what you think by joining in the discussion below.
