• Premier League

Van Persie excited by United revolution

ESPN staff
September 9, 2014
Sir Bobby Charlton: United will be back

Robin van Persie "can't wait" to return to Manchester United duty following Louis van Gaal's £150 million summer overhaul at Old Trafford.

Van Persie played as Angel Di Maria, signed for a British record £59.7m, made his debut in the 0-0 draw at Burnley just before the international break and is well acquainted with Dutch international team-mate Daley Blind, who joined United on deadline day.

Charlton hails Van Gaal 'adventure'

  • Sir Bobby Charlton has claimed Manchester United are in for a "great adventure" under Louis van Gaal this season.
  • United are without a win in Van Gaal's first four competitive matches, however, Charlton expects the club to improve on last season's dismal seventh-placed finish due to a lack European football in their fixture schedule.
  • "It seems strange that Manchester United aren't involved in European football for a season," said Charlton. "It's crazy but maybe it can make things easier for us.
  • "We've started with some new players, we've not been playing well but we will play well. I think that it's going to be a great adventure of how we pull ourselves back round and get back to the way it used to be."

However, he is yet to link up with summer signings Marcos Rojo, Radamel Falcao, Luke Shaw or Ander Herrera and is relishing the chance to do so with Queens Park Rangers next up at Old Trafford.

"I can't wait to go and train and play with the world class players we have signed - wow!" said Van Persie.

"That feeling, that we are going to perform well, has only got stronger after the buying of players over the last weeks. I find it very exciting, the arrival of all those new players.

"For me personally, it's brilliant to go and play with some of the best players in the world. It's great that I can go and train and play with them every day."

There were also 12 departures from United by the end of last week's transfer deadline, following a disappointing start that has seen Van Gaal take two points from three Premier League games as well as suffer a humiliating 4-0 defeat at MK Dons in the League Cup.

United have so far failed to adapt to Van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation but Van Persie has laid the blame at the feet of the players.

"It's plain and simple," added Van Persie. "The manager chooses his tactics. We, the players, have nothing else to do than to execute what the manager has in his mind.

"Tactics and formation are matters of the manager and his staff, not something the players must get involved in. We, the players, have not been educated as coaches. We are players, we play. I don't think we should even want to get involved in tactical discussions.

"As captain of Holland I may have the right to get involved in tactical discussions, but even there I choose not to. [Whether it's] 4-3-3, 3-5-2, nothing can be an excuse for another defeat.

"We have to adapt to every manager. There's not one way or method in football.''

Van Persie, 31, has also set his sights on playing at the 2018 World Cup with the Netherlands - and doesn't plan on retiring from club football until he's 40.

Robin van Persie featured in the drab 0-0 draw at Burnley © Getty Images
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"I will do whatever it takes to make it to the 2018 World Cup," he said. "I am living a calm and relaxed life. That should save me a few years. It's my goal to keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible and being available for the national team is part of that.

"I am 31 now and I have a little less than nine years to go. I won't be playing for a major club any more at the age of 40, although I do still want to be playing professional football at that age. That's my goal."

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