Boos won't bother Robin! Ferguson urges Van Persie to ignore dissenting Arsenal fans
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Robin van Persie to ignore the Arsenal boo boys on his first return to the Emirates this Sunday.
Arsene Wenger’s side will give Ferguson’s newly-crowned Premier League champions a guard of honour at the Emirates, but Van Persie is assured of a hot reception after leaving the Gunners for United in a £24million move last summer.
It has paid off with the Dutchman’s hat-trick against Aston Villa on Monday securing his first title winner’s medal, but the Arsenal fans will be less understanding.
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Lending a hand: Former United player Bryan Robson was at United's training this morning
WENGER'S TAKE
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants fans of the north London club to show respect for their former player Robin van Persie.
‘I don’t really bother about it and I don’t think Robin should bother about it either,’ said Ferguson.
‘There was a bit of booing when he played against Arsenal at Old Trafford and you probably expect a portion of the fans to do that. That’s the modern generation and modern society, I’m afraid.
‘But I’m glad Arsene has done that (guard of honour) because when they came to Old Trafford some years back and Wiltord scored the only goal we did that, and that’s what great clubs should do.’
Ferguson said that he understands why Arsenal are so upset over losing one of their prize assets but believes they have to look to the future now.
Back to business: Robin van Persie (left) and his team-mates were training after their title triumph
Man in the middle: Rio Ferdinand and Tom Cleverley (left) practise their ball skills
He added: ‘I know about the Tottenham derby but United have been Arsenal’s biggest rivals over the last 20 years.
‘It doesn’t sit well with their fans, and nor with Arsene for that matter, but it does happen and you just have to move on.
‘Arsenal have moved on now. They’re challenging for a Champions League place and have every chance of doing so, and they still play as attractive foot as anyone in the league.’
Relaxed? Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck look calm after they helped clinch the title on Monday
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