Van Persie Happy at United, Glad Working Under Moyes

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has denied claims he is discontent at the club, but wants to extend his contract with the Premier League champions.

Reports have suggested the 30-year-old has not been happy under new manager David Moyes and may quit in the summer.

Van Persie said: “The truth is I’m very happy here. I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay longer, beyond the next two years I have on my contract.”

The Dutch international thinks the huge amount of debate about his future is partly down to his limited public statements, in the light of the recent claim by Ajax assistant manager Ronald de Boer that he would leave United in the summer if Moyes do not beef up his squad.

Robin van Persie and David Moyes During Training.
Robin van Persie and David Moyes During Training.

“You can count my interviews this season on one hand, so maybe when I do speak people want to turn it into something sensational,” he said in an interview conducted for the match programme, United Review, ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool.

“I don’t mind if my performances get dissected and people criticise what I’ve done on the pitch. A lot of those opinions and criticisms may actually be right.

“What I need to address are the situations when people are taking it upon themselves to think for me, make assumptions or interpret things as if they are me. Last time I checked my head was still attached to my body. I’m the only one who knows exactly what I’m feeling.

“I probably only see about ten per cent of what’s written about me, but the things I have read recently aren’t based on the truth.

“Talk about a tackle that was too late. I don’t mind. But it goes too far when people start suggesting, amongst other things, that I have a bad understanding with the manager. That’s not true at all.”

Van Persie spoke in glowing terms about Moyes, saying he is improving everyday under the Scotsman.

“There is no doubt I’m learning new things and progressing with David Moyes. The sessions we have on the training ground are fantastic and I’m learning a lot from them every day,” he added.

“Ther’s a mutual respect between us and the work environment is actually good. He really wants things to work and I want the same.”