Friday, 2nd November, 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Arsenal fans will respect Robin van Persie when he takes on his former club at Old Trafford tomorrow.
The Dutch goal-getter joined Manchester United from the Gunners in the summer after failing to come to an agreement on extending a contract which was due to run out next year.
He has hit the ground running at his new club, finding the back of the net with the same regularity he displayed at the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal – and he will have the chance to do it against his former side tomorrow.
While Arsenal fans may not be happy to see Van Persie lining up against them, Ferguson is sure that the eight years’ service the 29-year-old gave to the Gunners ensures he will receive a good reception.
"I think Arsene [Wenger] has laid his seed for his supporters in terms of respecting him", Ferguson told his club’s official site.
"If you think about all the former players who come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause.
relatedNewsStory"I don’t think that will be a problem tomorrow, I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them and that will be nice."
And the United boss also backed Van Persie not to be fazed by playing against his old club.
"Robin is a mature player and I think that helps.
"The experience he’s got of playing eight years in England makes it easier for him to play for another English club. He’s been very satisfying for us.
"He’s made a fantastic start for us and hopefully he can keep it going."
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