• Premier League

Moyes: Van Persie loving life at United

Ahead of Manchester United's Old Trafford clash with Arsenal on Sunday, David Moyes insists Robin van Persie is loving life at the club.

Although Van Persie took his tally to nine for the season with his goal at Fulham last weekend, after a sparkling debut campaign the Dutchman has not always looked at ease this term.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cheekily suggested on Friday he still thinks of Van Persie as a Gunner ahead of this weekend's clash between the two clubs, in recognition of the eight years' service he gave to the north London outfit. However, Moyes disputes that belief and claims from what he sees, Van Persie is perfectly happy where he is.

"I still think Sunday will be special for Robin,'' Moyes told MUTV. "It is the club he played a lot of games for. But he has moved on now. He loves what he is doing here.

"In the time I have worked with him, he only speaks very highly about everything about the club. I went for a chat with him when I first got the job and he spoke in glowing terms about United. But obviously he had a great time in his early career with Arsenal as well.''

Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck has been ruled out of the game, but Moyes hopes Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Rafael da Silva and Jonny Evans will be available.

Welbeck has missed United's last five games with a knee injury and will sit out the meeting with the league leaders.

Defenders Rafael and Evans did not feature in Tuesday's 0-0 Champions League draw against Real Sociedad because of ankle and back problems, but Moyes is optimistic that they will be able to return.

Carrick, who has sat out United's last two games with a calf problem, might be fit and Cleverley, another who did not feature in Spain, could add to his manager's midfield options.

"Hopefully, we'll have a few players back," Moyes said. "The only one who is not in contention is Danny Welbeck. He's still suffering with his knee. But hopefully I'll have the other ones in and around the squad. I'll be able to make a decision tomorrow [Saturday] once I see how they all are."

Arsenal kick off eight points ahead of United after having won eight of their last nine league games, but Moyes - whose team are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions - - believes his side are as likely to end the season as champions as their opponents.

"Arsenal have the same chance to win the title as we all do," Moyes said. "It's a very open league. Arsenal's form has been very good, but we're trying to continue our momentum."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd