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Football

25th Jun 2015

Robin van Persie ponders Manchester United future with Euro 2016 on the horizon

Decision time

Conan Doherty

Should he stay or go?

Robin van Persie’s future and Manchester United is in doubt after the forward has hinted that he needs first-team football.

The Dutch attacker played second string to Wayne Rooney for most of the seas0n last year and he has admitted that Euro 2016 will play a big part in his decision about where he will ply his trade in the coming season.

He did say, however, that his family comes first and that being at Old Trafford always brings with it speculation.

“When I signed for United, I knew these kind of [reports] would appear,” ELF Voetbal have him quoted as saying. “Next year is the European Championship. That tournament is going to play a big role in the choice I will make.

“I have to be in my best form [for Euro 2016]. But most important is the wish of my wife and children. Whatever I do Bouchra, Shaqueel and Dina Layla are the highest of my priorities. They have to be happy.”

The 31-year-old was still on the scoresheet for United more than anyone else during van Gaal’s first season – everyone barring Rooney of course – and he holds his hands up that it wasn’t good enough.

“I’m was second highest scorer, behind Wayne Rooney, with 10 goals. But people don’t seem to accept this. I think that is deserved, because it says a lot that Wayne is top scorer with 12 goals.

“In all the other top teams, there is a minimum of one player who makes more than 25 goals over all competitions. Not at United. That’s the reality and I feel responsible for that.”