sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Robin Van Persie Names His Five Favourite Manchester United Teammates

Robin Van Persie Names His Five Favourite Manchester United Teammates

The Dutchman has opened up on the five players that impressed him the most...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Robin van Persie has picked out his top five Manchester United teammates from during his time at Old Trafford.

The Dutch striker swapped Arsenal for United in a £24 million move and went on to almost single-handedly secure Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th and final Premier League title.

After developing a special understanding with Wayne Rooney, Van Persie notched 26 goals in 38 appearances in his first season and seven years later he's picked out the five players he enjoyed playing with the most during his time as a United player.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"It's hard to answer because most of them were impressive in their own style," he told So Foot.

"I think you always have to be yourself, and these players were strong because they expressed their own nature.

"[Nemanja] Vidic was a warrior. He put his head where normally it's scary to do so. He did anything to win.

"[Rio] Ferdinand, he was more 'elegant', comfortable with the ball, strong in aerial play, good in long play.

"[Ryan] Giggs was the flamboyant player, always giving the impression of being in his comfort zone. Still in great shape at 39! He did yoga and lived football all the time.

"Rooney was impressive in his own style too. The guy was always full on.

"Also Patrice Evra, who always spoke loudly to instil confidence in the team. Today, I know he makes 'funny' videos, but please don't believe that's all he is, as he is also a super professional and a super-intelligent guy.

"He speaks five languages - even Korean! His physical appearance shows how professional he is. His mind is as strong as his body."

Van Persie has opened up about the time he saw Sir Alex Ferguson lose his head weeks before he announced he was retiring from management.

Back in 2013, United suffered a 2-1 home defeat to rivals City back in 2013, which saw their lead at the top of the Premier League reduced 10 points.

Two unnamed United players went out partying after the fixture and felt the wrath of Ferguson, who posted pictures of the pair partying on the dressing room wall and branded them "a**holes."

Image: PA
Image: PA

"The day after the game Sir Alex had photos put up on the dressing room wall of the two players taken during their night out," Van Persie said.

"He told the entire squad: 'Boys, if we don't win the league it's because of these two a***holes who opted to go out.'

"I know the names, but can't reveal them. The manager slaughtered them. It was amazing. He'd put up photos documenting where they were, at 2am, 3am, 4am etc, to underline just how stupid they had been.

"He didn't stop there, but warned us that if he heard of any of us going out before we'd won the league we'd be out of the team.

"He was merciless, saying: 'I don't care who you are or how many trophies you've won - if you go out before the end of the season I'll sell you.'

Inspired by talisman Van Persie, who scored a hat-trick in the title clincher against Aston Villa, United would lift their most recent league title.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Robin van Persie, red devils