Rooney: Van Persie would be ‘great addition’ to Man Utd squad

Wayne Rooney admits he is hoping Robin van Persie will secure a move to Manchester United from Arsenal this summer.

The 29-year-old Dutch striker continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford following his refusal to extend his Gunners contract, which has a year left to run.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted in midweek that the Red Devils’ bid to sign the forward had hit a stumbling block, with Arsenal refusing to negotiate amid interest in the player from Manchester City and Juventus.

But Rooney is still hopeful Van Persie could be a United player next season. “He’s a player that I admire,” Rooney was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

“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. If he does come here he would be a great addition to the squad.”

Rooney says he is raring to go ahead of the new season and is confident United can bounce back from a disappointing campaign last term as Ferguson’s side failed to win a trophy.

“I’m excited, I feel good, I feel fresh and I’m looking forward to the new season,” he added. “It’s a big season for us after last season and we all need to be ready for it.

“It’s a rare thing for Manchester United not to have any trophies. But we felt we were unlucky in the league.

“We know we let ourselves down in Europe. That’s something we’ve had to think about.

“I’m sure we’ll be a lot better this season. Our first aim will be to improve on last year and I think we can do that.”

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Read more on: Arsenal, Football transfers, Manchester United, Premier League, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney.