“Nonsense”: Moyes quashes claims that £24m attacker wants to leave Man United

Manchester United manager David Moyes has rejected claims that Robin van Persie wants to leave the club.

Pundit and former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson claimed that the Dutchman had handed in a transfer request due to his unhappiness at the club since Moyes took over.

But the Scot, who has lost a third of his Premier League matches at Man Utd, has rubbished the claims.

The club have kept quiet on the speculation but Moyes felt the need to respond following their second home defeat in four days as Newcastle left Old Trafford with all three points.

Van Persie returned from injury and Moyes said after the game: ”That is absolute nonsense.

“I don’t know what harder or tougher word I could say but that’s as good as I’ve got.”

United are now 13 points off the leaders Arsenal following their defeat to Newcastle and the Gunners’ draw with Everton. Moyes started his Dutch forward but was spotted asking him if he could continue late into the game despite missing the last few weeks through injury.

“I’m not sure whether he can give me 90 minutes,” he said prior to the game.

Moyes has employed a more direct, wider style of play this season, opting the whip the ball in from the wings incessantly. This has seen van Persie struggle as he has won just 27% of his headed duels so far.