Sir Alex has spoken for the first time about the capture of Arsenal’s Robin van Persie at a press conference to announce Bwin as United’s official new betting and gaming partners (essential to every football club….) He said:
“The fee has been agreed, which we’re delighted about, he’s on his way here from London to have a medical later. Hopefully, that goes according to plan. We hope he will be available for Monday night. It’s great to have a player of the quality of Robin van Persie coming into the squad. I’m very pleased.” (via ManUtd.com)
Elsewhere, both Rooney and Carrick have also commented on the transfer, with the former stating “he (is) a great addition to the squad, he’s a fantastic player. He’s been amazing for Arsenal over many years. Last season was probably his best season of all. He scored a lot of goals.” (via SkySports.com) and the latter, fresh from captaining an England side that inexplicably left him out of the squad for Euro 2012, adding “Can he make the difference between second and first? There wasn’t much difference so hopefully we can go that step further!” (via SkySports.com)
The move has also led Arsene Wenger to start flooding the media with excuses for his failings even before a ball has been kicked in anger this season. Speaking to French TV last night he said “He is at Manchester United, unfortunately for us. The transfer was finalised in the afternoon. It’s never great to lose players of that quality but he only had a year contract so we do not have a choice.” (via the Telegraph) apparently ignoring the choice he had to try and extend van Persie’s contract when there was still 18-24 months left on it, as is the norm around the league these days..
RedMancunian.com founder Craig Norwood is outside the hospital where United conduct their medicals today, and will be reporting any further news as and when he gets it.
