Robin van Persie will no doubt go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever strikers. Injuries may have lessened his impact in the previous eighteen months but he has been one of the most influential players for both Manchester United and their opponents this weekend, Arsenal.
Van Persie’s transfer to Old Trafford in August 2012 is one of the most sensational coups in recent times. It was one of those ‘I remember where I was at the time’ moments for Manchester United fans and probably, even though they’d do their best to forget it, for Arsenal supporters.
The Dutch forward had left the Emirates in pursuit of the Premier League crown he so coveted and which seemed out of reach whilst he remained at Arsenal. He had done his best, becoming an inspiring figure at the club, particularly in the 2011-12 season where he scored an incredible 37 goals in just 48 games and won both the PFA and Football Writers’ Association player of the year awards. But it wasn’t enough as the Arsenal trophy drought moved into its seventh year and Arsene Wenger’s team had gone eight years without the title.
Van Persie had arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2004, when they were champions and still invincible. Wenger pulled off quite a deal in signing the young forward from Feyenoord for a fee of just £2.75 million. RVP had started his career in Holland with mixed results. Whilst his record on the pitch was generally impressive (he netted 22 times in 78 games), his attitude had been called into question. He regularly clashed with manager Bert van Marwijk and at one point was demoted to the reserve team.
There was a streak of arrogance about the young man and his self-confidence had caused friction at the De Kuip Stadium. At Arsenal though he would slowly blossom under the guidance of Wenger and the established first teamers such as Thierry Henry and fellow countryman Dennis Bergkamp.
His first season in England ended with a trophy to go with his 10 goals in 41 appearances. His team were completely outplayed in the FA Cup final in Cardiff but won courtesy of a penalty shootout against Manchester United. Having started as a substitute, van Persie came off the bench and scored his side’s third penalty. But if he thought this triumph was to be the start of many great achievements at Arsenal, he would be disappointed.
The following campaign, he scored eleven times as Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time but they were narrowly beaten by Barcelona. Even though Jens Lehmann was sent off early on, Sol Campbell had given the Gunners the lead but eventually Ronaldinho’s Barcelona prevailed 2-1. Van Persie though missed out on all the action being an unused substitute. Arsenal and RVP wouldn’t get near that stage again.
He became a more senior and trusted figure at Arsenal following the departures of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry as the ‘invincibles’ were slowly broken up. It was in the 2008-09 campaign which saw van Persie prove that he could fill the massive shoes of Henry and Bergkamp. He netted 20 times in his most prolific season yet. His goal-scoring record continued into the following season but injuries, a familiar problem throughout his career, restricted his playing time though he still managed to find the net 10 times in only 19 matches.
For all of his goal-scoring exploits, van Persie could only look on as other teams lifted the major honours. The chance to win the Premier League and work with Sir Alex Ferguson proved to be enough for him to make the incredible move to Old Trafford.
In the red of United, van Persie continued where he had left off in 2011-12 as he fired Ferguson’s side to the title. From his first goal from his first shot for the club against Fulham, through winning goals at Anfield and the Etihad and all the way through to that magnificent volley to secure the crown against Aston Villa. The technique and grace of that goal displayed why RVP is such a wonderful player.
His significance to the Manchester United cause has dimmed after his injury problems recurred during the last eighteen months but his impact during the 2012-13 season provided Sir Alex Ferguson with the perfect finale. A 20th title won by the man in the number 20 shirt. His influence on that title-winning side will not be forgotten.
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