Van Persie uncertain of Manchester United future

Robin van Persie admits he faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, as he enters the final 18 months of his existing contract.

The Holland international made the controversial move to Manchester two-and-a-half years ago when his Arsenal deal entered its final 12 months, in a transfer which angered fans of the Emirates Stadium club; even more so when he enjoyed a sensational debut season for his new club in which his 26 goals contributed to a record-extending 20th title for the Reds.

Van Persie is known to have been more upset than any of his team-mates when Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of that campaign, and some believe this played a factor in his below-par performances under David Moyes last term. But with compatriot Louis van Gaal succeeding the Scot ahead of the current season, the 31-year-old was expected to find his best form again.

So far, though, the former Feyenoord striker has struggled to get amongst the goals in a manner he has become accustomed to. Van Persie has made 21 appearances in all competitions – 20 coming in the Premier League – but he has found the back of the net just eight times and not since the 3-1 Boxing Day triumph over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal remains fully supportive of his former international captain, but he also has on-loan Radamel Falcao, club captain Wayne Rooney and young James Wilson chomping at the bit for a starting role. And with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, van Persie admits that he currently faces something of an uncertain future at his current employers.

When asked by Sky Sports if he could stay at Old Trafford beyond that which remains on the four-year deal he signed back in the summer of 2012, van Persie replied: “It is not up to me. For the moment I am staying here for 18 months. That is it really. I can’t look into the future. I don’t know what is going to happen after that. We shall have to wait and see.”

Meanwhile, one player who does look to have played his last game for United is Darren Fletcher. The 30-year-old Scotland international, who has progressed through the youth ranks to make 342 appearances for the club, has struggled to force his way into van Gaal’s plans and has reportedly been told he can leave on a free transfer, with West Ham United favourites to take him this month.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *