• Premier League

Van Persie in off-field feud with Shawcross

ESPN staff
October 28, 2013
Robin van Persie was less than impressed as Manchester United had to come from behind against Stoke © Getty Images
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Manchester United eventually gained the upper hand on Stoke during their clash at Old Trafford at the weekend, but it was not enough to settle an old score between Robin van Persie and Ryan Shawcross, according to The Sun.

The pair clashed in the tunnel at half-time having already made their tussle physical shortly before the interval, with Shawcross apparently grabbing Van Persie by the throat. They then argued going off the field, and Shawcross was even booked in the dressing-room for his part in the row.

However, The Sun reports that the feud continued even after United's dramatic 3-2 victory, with Van Persie muttering under his breath as he walked past Shawcross, who was giving a post-match interview.

"It wasn't clear what [Van Persie] said but Shawcross wasn't happy at all. He asked Robin to repeat what he said a couple of times but he just kept walking," a source said.

"There's been bad blood between [Van Persie's] old club Arsenal and Stoke for a few years now, so perhaps it stems from that."

Van Persie was on target for United in their come-from-behind victory as they alleviated some of the pressure on boss David Moyes. They now lie just two points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table, although the Manchester clubs are seventh and eighth respectively.

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