Robin van Persie admits difficult situation at Manchester United; family remains priority

Robin van Persie admits his future at Manchester United is not clear

By his own lofty standards, Robin van Persie had a fairly quiet 2014-15 season, with only 10 goals to show for his efforts. With a year left on his contract and rumours of a move away from Old Trafford, he is in a difficult situation as Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has not confirmed whether the striker will be at the club next season.

The player himself has said that the decision on his future will depend on his family’s well-being as well and that he views this situation as an interesting one.

He said, “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’s Premier League campaign was frequently disrupted by injuries, and he looked out of sorts throughout the season. When he made his return from injury late in the season, he was behind Falcao in the pecking order.

For someone who was considered to be a contender for the captaincy of United last season, this fall from grace was quite unexpected. During their Holland days, Van Gaal had appointed the former Arsenal striker as his captain and they had a wonderful 2014 World Cup 2014 where they reached the semi-finals.

The Dutchman admitted that when you are playing for Manchester United as a striker, 10 goals in a season is just not good enough. However, he also believes that the criticism he received was unfair.

“That’s at least seven goals short but I think it’s a compliment people don’t accept it. 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,” he said.