Of the many players whose stay at the club was short and sweet, perhaps not many can rival the impact made by Robin van Persie.
Despite spending the majority of his time in the Premier League with Arsenal, the crowning moment of Van Persie’s moment came at Old Trafford.
Not only did he win the Premier League in his debut season, but he also won the Golden Boot award and received a guard of honour from the same Arsenal team he left a season ago.
By the end of his time at United, things had soured so much between the striker and Arsenal fans that his goal celebration against them is pretty much in United folklore.
Van Persie is clearly not losing sleep with how things are between the Gunners fans and himself if his latest comments are any indication!
Robin van Persie’s dig at Arsenal and their fans
Van Persie is currently managing SC Heerenven in the Dutch League, his first senior managerial job in football after some stints with youth sides.
Heerenven haven’t enjoyed the best of times under Van Persie, suffering their biggest defeat under his management but it’s just the start.
Van Persie has made all the right noises in the way he has handled the media and the pressure that comes with being the main man in the dugout.
He was recently asked on Sportscast (via FeanOnline) whether he would like to go to his former clubs- Feyenoord, Arsenal, or Manchester United, in a managerial capacity.
The former striker could not resist the chance to fire another dig at Arsenal after ending his relationship with the team on a sour note.
Van Persie said: “Well, I don’t expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed. Because of my transfer to Manchester United, that’s my guess. You never know in football, but that’s my guess. It’s still a sensitive issue for them, not for me. It’s especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans.”
The way he brushes off how it’s not a sensitive issue for him anymore but Arsenal fans remain hung up on it is unlikely to go down well with the Arsenal fans.
However, that would just prove his point and endear him further to Man Utd fans!
Robin van Persie on his future
Van Persie talked about his future plans and kept his options open while recognising the journey he still had to make in front of him.
He will have to impress at Heerenven, which he hasn’t so far, before he will even be considered for bigger jobs but his pedigree should open doors for him.
Being a great player doesn’t translate into becoming a great manager but there are examples he can follow, most recently his club and country compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Van Persie said: “I’ve learned that planning so far ahead doesn’t make any sense. I don’t want to either. I mainly live in the here and now. I really like it here and I’m incredibly proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen. I feel very welcome within the club and with the fans. I think that’s important too, that you feel welcome.”
As it stands, Van Persie is saying the right thing because Heerenven have stuck by him even as the results haven’t been as desired.
The big spotlights at elite clubs can wait since, for now, he needs to grow as a manager at a comparatively understated club.
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