David Moyes expects the Manchester United board to consider handing Robin van Persie a new contract after the striker expressed his desire to stay with the club.

Van Persie has been linked with a move away from United following rumours that he was unhappy with life under Moyes.

The Dutchman scotched that speculation on Thursday night, insisting he is content at Old Trafford.

The former Arsenal striker said he would like to extend his current deal beyond 2016 and Moyes thinks that is something the United hierarchy would be interested in.

“It’s nice of Robin (to say he is happy to stay),” the United manager said. “He is happy here and we are very pleased about that. He has a couple of years to go on his contract and I am sure that (an extension) is something the board will look at.”

Moyes has always maintained that Van Persie was settled at United, but rumours have persisted that the player wanted to leave.

The United manager was, therefore, happy to have put all the speculation to bed. “I have been telling you that (he is happy) but you don’t believe what I say,” the Scot said.

Moyes cut a relaxed figure as he addressed the media at the AON Training Complex in Carrington this afternoon.

Although Van Persie's declaration that he is happy at the club comes as a boost, Moyes knows his mood will darken if United lose on Sunday against arch rivals Liverpool.

While United have struggled this term, their old foes have performed above expectations and they now sit second in the Barclays Premier League. Moyes therefore believes Brendan Rodgers' men go into the match as favourites.

“Their league position suggests they are ahead of us and they possibly do come here favourites,” he said.

Although Moyes has only been at Old Trafford since last summer, he is well aware of what the match means for the two sets of fans.

“It has been a great rivalry between the two clubs,” Moyes added. “Liverpool are having a very good season and we have to do everything we possibly can to beat them.”