Robin van Persie Refuses to Choose Between Arsenal and Manchester United as Old Rivals Prepare to Clash
Dutch striker refuses to pick between Arsenal and Manchester United as both of his former clubs prepare for a high-stakes Premier League showdown.
Robin van Persie is one of the few players to have worn both the Arsenal and Manchester United shirts — but when asked to reveal where his loyalties lie, the Dutchman decided to play it safe.
The former striker, who famously swapped the Emirates for Old Trafford in 2012, has admitted he won’t pick a side between the two clubs that defined his career. With United and Arsenal set to face each other this Sunday in the Premier League season opener, Van Persie’s comments are a reminder of the delicate position he holds in the eyes of both sets of supporters.
“Pass — They’re Both So Good”
Earlier this year, Van Persie appeared on ESPN where he was pressed to choose between his two old clubs. The former Netherlands international was first asked to compare Wayne Rooney with Thierry Henry — two legends he played alongside at United and Arsenal respectively.
Rather than choosing one, Van Persie gave a diplomatic response:
“Pass, because they’re both so different and very good.”
He was then asked to name his preference between legendary managers Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, who each played huge roles in shaping his career. Once again, he refused to pick sides, simply saying:
“Definitely both.”
Finally, the inevitable question came — Arsenal or Manchester United? This time too, Van Persie declined to give a straight answer, sitting firmly on the fence to avoid upsetting either fanbase.
No Interest in Picking Sides
His reluctance didn’t end there. Van Persie was also quizzed about United’s city rivals Manchester City and Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Looking visibly frustrated by the questioning, the ex-striker once again dodged the topic entirely, refusing to be drawn into comparisons.
It’s a diplomatic stance, but one that makes sense. Van Persie remains a hero to United fans for his unforgettable debut season in Manchester, while many Arsenal supporters still feel hurt by his decision to join a rival after years of loyalty in North London.
A Controversial Switch in 2012
Van Persie’s move to United was one of the most controversial transfers of the Premier League era. After scoring 132 goals in 278 games for Arsenal, he stunned fans by announcing he would not extend his contract.
All the major clubs in Europe wanted him, but United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, offered the best deal. Arsène Wenger, then Arsenal’s manager, later revealed how painful the decision was:
“In 2012, he announced his intention not to extend his contract. All the big clubs were courting him. I sold him to Manchester United. The supporters were angry with me for this but we could not match the offer. I managed to negotiate his departure for £24 million, which was a huge amount at the time for a player with a year left on his contract. I had only the interest of the club in mind.”
Immediate Impact at United
The move paid off instantly for United. Van Persie hit the ground running, scoring 26 league goals in his first season and firing United to their 20th league title in 2013 — the final Premier League crown of Ferguson’s legendary career.
Wenger admitted that Van Persie’s explosive start at Old Trafford made things even harder for Arsenal:
“Van Persie had a fantastic first six months at Old Trafford: he put the team on track for the Premiership title and made it even more difficult for us.”
Injuries and a Missed Return
However, his time at United wasn’t all glory. After that incredible debut campaign, injuries began to take their toll. By 2015, under Louis van Gaal, United decided to sell him to Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
According to Wenger, Van Persie even considered returning to Arsenal towards the end of his career:
