Robin Van Persie has claimed he was not given a “honest” chance by Louis Van Gaal and explained why the relationship between him and the former Holland manager broke down.
After a difficult campaign under David Moyes, the Dutchman, who completed a move to Fenerbache earlier this week to bring a three-year spell at United to an end, was expected to be revitalised by Van Gaal’s arrival but failed to make an impression.
After scoring just 10 goals and finding himself on the sidelines more often than he would have liked, Van Persie parted ways with United but has insisted his decision was motivated by Van Gaal’s behaviour.
“I know Louis as a national team coach and now I get to know him as a club coach,” Van Persie told the Sunday Times.
“And there is a difference.”
The Dutchman said he spoke with Van Gaal at a club golf day in May and realised his future at Old Trafford looked increasingly uncertain.
“I was still thinking we could come back from holiday and start from scratch,” Van Persie said.
“He had changed his mind about me before, but when I came back, it wasn’t an honest battle any more.
“Fighting to get back in the team wasn’t given me as an option.
He was sending me to Pitch Two. And I’m a mature player. I’m not stupid. I didn’t get angry or emotional.
“These things are part of football, part of life. You have to make the best out of any situation so I’m doing this by moving on.”
The former United striker said he knew things were not going to improve for him after he was left on the bench for United’s visit to Chelsea on 18 April.
“That was one of the first signals things weren’t going in the right direction,” Van Persie said.
“I asked to play in the reserves, to get my minutes, but after was on the bench again.
“The atmosphere changed between me and Louis and people at the club saw it, but I was always professional.
“At that point I didn’t think to leave. Bouchra was happy. The kids were happy. I was happy in Manchester.”
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