Former Man Utd manager urges club NOT to sign Robin van Persie

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by Crunch Sports Staff

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Robin van Persie (credit: Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Manchester United have been urged NOT to sign Arsenal captain Robin van Persie this summer - by a former Old Trafford manager.

Van Persie is out of contract in twelve months time and on Wednesday announced he does not plan to sign a new deal at Arsenal, sparking a £25million battle to secure his services this summer.

According to Sky Sports, Juventus are frontrunners in the race to sign the 28-year-old, while Premier League champions Man City and rivals Man Utd are the other two clubs currently challenging for his signature.

But former United boss Tommy Docherty has urged the Red Devils to avoid the Netherlands international, who has questioned whether the Gunners have ambition.

"What right as a player does van Persie have to say Arsenal is not heading in the right direction?" the 84-year-old was quoted as saying by the Sunday Express.

"He might be looking to move, but I don’t think United should touch him with a bargepole."

Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, and Italian giants AC Milan have also shown interest in Van Persie in recent weeks.

In a statement posted on his official website last week, the Dutchman had said: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.

"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

"I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.

"I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch."

Van Persie is scheduled to hold further talks with manager Arsene Wenger this week.

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