RVP told to ignore boo boys

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Robin van Persie to ignore the Arsenal boo-boys when he returns to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.



Van Persie completed a controversial £24million switch from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer and has proved the major difference in this season's title race, taking his tally to 24 Premier League goals with Monday's hat-trick against Aston Villa.



But his appearance in north London this weekend is unlikely to go down well given he will soon be collecting the championship winners' medal he did not feel was realistic at Arsenal.



And though Arsene Wenger has confirmed his players will form a guard of honour in tribute to United's achievement, Van Persie's presence is bound to antagonise a section of the long-suffering Gunners support, who have now gone eight seasons since their team last won a trophy.



Under such circumstances, Ferguson's advice is for Van Persie not to allow the baiting to get to him.

"I don't bother about it, and I don't think Robin should bother about it either," said Ferguson.



"There was a bit of booing when he played at Old Trafford and I expect a portion of fans will do that.



"That is the modern generation I am afraid.



"For Arsenal to have one of their players go to their biggest rivals of the last 20 years doesn't sit well with their fans, nor Arsene for that matter.



"But it does happen. You just have to move on. Arsenal have moved on now. They are challenging for a Champions League place and have every chance of getting one."

Van Persie's contribution to the United cause can hardly be overstated.



Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has repeated countless times the Dutchman has been the major difference in this season's battle for honours.



His brilliant volley against Villa had the hallmark of class stamped all over it.



And, after taking such a leap of faith by joining United, Ferguson could see how much winning the title meant to Van Persie when the final whistle blew.

"It showed in his celebrations, not just after he had scored the goals but at the end of the match," said Ferguson.



"We had a few players who were winning it for the first time but he was celebrating better than the others."

And evidently, Van Persie's team-mates are equally delighted for the striker, who has more than lived up to the star billing he was granted upon his arrival last August.

"I don't know if he has exceeded expectations," said Ryan Giggs.



"We all knew what he was capable of but sometimes you don't realise just by playing against someone how good they actually are.



"When you train with them every day and play with them every week it is different.



"That has definitely been the case with Robin. We knew about his goalscoring. But it is his all-round play. He has been absolutely brilliant. Long may that continue."

With Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck keen to play some part and Tom Cleverley in contention to fill a midfield berth that could release Wayne Rooney into a more advanced position, there is an outside chance Van Persie might not start on Sunday.



Ferguson has vowed to play a strong side though out of respect to Arsenal's fellow top-four contenders Tottenham and Chelsea.



However, he acknowledged with gratitude Arsene Wenger's confirmation United will be afforded a guard of honour as they make their way onto the pitch.

"I am glad Arsene has done that," said the Scot.



"When they came to Old Trafford in 2002 and Sylvain Wiltord scored the only goal, we did exactly the same," he said.



"That is what great clubs should do."