Manchester United to resist any attempt by Van Persie to leave Old Trafford

According to SportsMail, Manchester United will not consider granting Robin van Persie a way out of the club this summer.

The Holland striker has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford as he has struggled with injury and making the adjustment to life under David Moyes.

He appeared to hint at dissatisfaction after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat in Athens, suggesting some of his team-mates occupy spaces he likes to play in.

However, United manager Moyes and the club’s board are determined that Van Persie and Wayne Rooney will spearhead the club’s attack next season and will resist any bids to lure the Dutchman away.

Speaking to Dutch TV station NOS on Tuesday, Van Persie said: ‘Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in, and when I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well. So that forces me to adjust my runs.

‘Unfortunately, they’re often playing in my zones. I think that’s a shame.’

Those comments did not impress former Wales and Arsenal striker John Hartson, who said: ‘Sir Alex would have pulled him aside and said, “This is a joke, going to a Dutch reporter and slaughtering your team-mates like that.” For me, that shows there are cracks in the team. It’s poor from Van Persie.’

The manner in which United resisted Wayne Rooney's desire to move to Chelsea last summer when he had become disgruntled with life at Old Trafford is now considered the default stance at the club when seeking to retain top-line players.

The approach with Rooney has proved a success, with the England striker committing fully to David Moyes' team. Last week he signed a five-and-a-half-year deal that keeps him at United until he is 33.