Man United icon Rio Ferdinand claims that David Moyes did not love Robin van Persie

van Persie did not feel loved by Moyes – Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that David Moyes did not show enough love to Robin van Persie during their time together at Manchester United, believing that the Dutchman is egotistical and needs the full support of his manager.

Van Persie shares a much closer bond with Louis Van Gaal in the national team and the pair will be reunited once more when Van Gaal takes over at Manchester United after the World Cup, helping to ease over the dissatisfaction the striker suffered under Moyes.

Van Persie displayed his striking credentials with a stunning header for Netherlands in their thumping 5-1 victory over Spain and Ferdinand feels that the bond between him and his manager helps his performance, something Moyes was unable to replicate at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand wrote in the Daily Mail, “Looking back to last season at Manchester United, I feel now that there were times where possibly Van Persie didn’t feel loved by Moyes.

“It’s entirely feasible Van Persie felt Moyes had a closer bond with Wayne Rooney and that he wasn’t on a par.

“Management must be a minefield at times, but perhaps Moyes could have spread the love around more evenly. Forwards can be egotistical at times, needing not just praise when they do well, but an arm around the shoulder, a metaphorical back-rub, another pat on the back, the works.

“They’re a delicate breed and can require some pampering. And Van Persie is no different in that respect. You only had to watch his performance, in the second half at least, to see his confidence grow after that astonishing header for 1-1.

“That’s one of those goals that will look better and better as the years go by. I’ve watched it a dozen times already and it’s simply magnificent.”