ESPN FC’s Paul Mariner and Alexis Nunes discuss Manchester United’s possible Champions League playoff opponents and review the side’s they’ll want to avoid.
Robin van Persie admitted he is in a “strange” situation at Manchester United amid doubts surrounding whether he will remain at Old Trafford.
The striker mustered just 10 goals in a season when he lost his place as manager Louis van Gaal’s first-choice forward to captain Wayne Rooney and even saw the out-of-sorts Radamel Falcao picked ahead of him at times.
Van Gaal has refused to confirm that Van Persie, who has one year left on his contract, will be at United again next season.
The 61-year-old manager, who has arranged to buy Holland winger Memphis Depay and is expected to try and sign another forward, held meetings with several players to inform them where they stand in his thinking before he went on holiday to Portugal.
Van Persie told reporters in Holland: “It’s a strange, difficult situation. A new situation, that’s a better word. I have to think in a realistic way. It’s my ambition to play the next years. I’m thinking about my family and my children with every decision I take.
“These are very important for me. I’m a real family guy. I think it’s fantastic to see how happy my children and wife are. That’s something I take into consideration when I’m thinking about my future.”
Van Persie, who was a £24 million signing from Arsenal in 2012, scored 30 goals in his first year at Old Trafford and another 18 in their difficult 2013-14 campaign.
He admitted his return under Van Gaal, which was his lowest goal tally since his injury-hit 2007-08 season, fell way below par.
“That’s at least seven goals short, but I think it’s a compliment people don’t accept it,” he explained.
“Manchester United is a beast and that has two sides. Manchester United is viewed and followed by more people than at other clubs, and also more media. I have to deal with that. I made that choice and must accept the consequences.”
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