Robin van Persie will face Arsenal in Manchester United colours for the first time at Old Trafford tomorrow, with Arsene Wenger urging the travelling support to show respect to their one-time idol.
Van Persie, who captained Arsenal last season when he scored a career-high 37 goals in all competitions, forced an acrimonious €28 million move to United in August after he had refused to extend his contract at the Emirates, which had one year to run.
If Wenger was devastated to lose a player he had moulded from hot-headed youngster to world-class talent over eight seasons, then the fans felt betrayed and it feels inevitable they will make their feelings known at Old Trafford. Wenger, though, mindful of the spotlight on anti-discrimination, has encouraged the club’s fans to remember how Van Persie had always given his all for them. He said: “I don’t know what kind of reaction he will get but I hope it is a respectful one because he has played for us for eight years and he has done very well for us. You want him to be respected. ”
Guardian Service
