David Moyes expects Manchester United to offer Robin van Persie a new contract following his declaration he is happy at the club.
The Holland international joined the Reds in the summer of 2012 for around £24million, and he was instrumental as they clinched a record-extending 20th league title in his debut season. However, there have been persistent rumours about his future this season, with some reports claiming he is upset by Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
It has also been suggested that van Persie is unhappy with the new regime of Moyes and his coaching staff, although the former Everton boss has maintained that there is no problem between him and the player. And now the 30-year-old has moved to end all speculation over his future, by now only stating that he is happy to play under his manager, but is also interesting in extending his existing contract at Old Trafford.
“The truth is I’m very happy here,” he told the official club website. “I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay even longer, beyond the next two years I have on my contract. I’m very happy with my team-mates and with my manager and his staff. The sessions we have on the training ground are fantastic, and I’m learning a lot every day.”
To be fair to Moyes, he has maintained throughout the season that van Persie is happy at United. And ahead of the crucial league match with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, this was something he was keen to remind the assembled journalists of, before going on to explain that he expects the former Arsenal ace to be offered a new deal.
“I’ve been telling you that [he’s staying] but you’ve wanted to say or write something different,” said Moyes. “It’s difficult if you don’t believe what I say. Robin van Persie is happy here and I’m pleased about that. I didn’t know what was coming out – I’ve only just heard this morning about it. We’ll take it as it is. He has a couple of years to go on his contract and I’m sure that will be something the board look at.”
Van Persie scored 26 goals in the Premier League last season, as he featured in every match of United’s successful title campaign. This time round injury has restricted him to just 17 of the 28 fixtures played so far, yet he has still chipped in with 11 goals. He was on mark in both 2-1 wins over Liverpool last term, and will be hopeful of inflicting more damage on Brendan Rodgers’ side this weekend in a match neither side can afford to lose.
