• Premier League

RVP calls on Rooney to stay put

ESPN staff
August 11, 2013
Robin van Persie has admitted that part of the reason why he left Arsenal for Manchester United was to play with Wayne Rooney © Getty Images
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Robin van Persie has urged Wayne Rooney to remain at Manchester United after admitting the chance to play alongside him was one of his main reasons for joining the club.

Rooney's future has been unclear for some time, with former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claiming in May that Rooney had asked to leave the club for the second time.

Chelsea are desperate to land Rooney this summer, although they have so far had two bids rejected by United.

But Van Persie, who arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal last year, is hopeful that Rooney can sort out his problems and get back to his best this season, after struggling at times last term.

"Everyone wants Wayne to stay and deep down I think he feels the same," Van Persie told The Sun. "One of the reasons I joined Manchester United was to play with Wayne.

"I hope he stays. Not only is he a great goalscorer, he does so much work across the pitch. He hates to lose - that's why you see him one minute pressing for goal, the next minute defending ferociously. He is an asset to any team. He will come good again. He is a strong lad.''

Despite currently struggling with a shoulder problem, Rooney has been selected in England's squad for their friendly with Scotland on Wednesday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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