Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has revealed the club's signing of Robin van Persie left the entire squad 'shocked'.
The Dutchman joined United in the summer of 2012 from bitter rivals Arsenal and scored 30 goals in all competitions in his first season at Old Trafford, en route to United's 20th Premier League title.
Current Leicester City man Evans detailed the reaction to Sir Alex Ferguson sealing the huge transfer.
"It was a genius signing, to get someone from one of your rival clubs, where he'd been [for so long] - everyone was shocked," he told The Guardian.
Advert
Van Persie had spent eight years at Arsenal and had grown to be their most influential player following the departure of Cesc Fabregas.
He had become disillusioned with the lack of silverware at Arsenal and made the move to United in a £24 million deal.
The forward had a brilliant footballing brain as well as lethal finishing ability and Evans recalls one specific game against Chelsea which showed what 'RVP' was all about.
"We'd been working in training on trying to get Ashley Young running in between the right-back and right centre-back. There was a moment where Robin caught everyone out and tried a reverse pass with his right foot, into Ashley's path. Branislav Ivanovic ended up getting sent off for being the last player [when fouling].
Advert
"To be able to carry out this kind of plan made Robin the manager's dream. There are other moments that stand out, too. His goal against Arsenal in his first game against them at Old Trafford - he did so with his [supposedly weaker] right, and you think: 'This guy can score.'"
One of van Persie's greatest moments came in the title decider, a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in April 2013.
Van Persie scored a hat-trick that night with his second being a sublime volley that only elite players could pull off.
"Not many people take that shot on. It's still ridiculous now, Evans said of the strike.
Advert
"Most would think: 'Just get it under control.' The run, the way he pulls off the defender's shoulder, the way he finished, just world class. He'd been doing stuff like that in training."
Ferguson would go on to retire after clinching United's 20th league title and it's safe to say van Persie's impact on the club will go down in history.
Do you think Robin van Persie is one of Manchester United's greatest ever signings?
Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Robin van Persie
