Tuesday 23rd September 2014 14:14
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Robin van Persie: Hit hard by Sir Alex Ferguson's departure
Rio Ferdinand has claimed Robin van Persie was the player who suffered the most after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement as Man United manager.
In an interview with MUTV, former United defender Ferdinand described the shock that Van Persie felt when Ferguson announced to the squad that he was stepping down.
QPR defender Ferdinand, 35, said that none of the squad had expected Ferguson's decision to step down last summer and that the announcement came as a bolt from the blue.
"It took the wind out of everyone's sails," former England defender Ferdinand said. "It gave us an extra push to go and win and be successful in that last season."
United won the title in Ferguson's final season in charge but struggled badly under David Moyes, in a season that saw them eventually finish seventh.
"Everyone was really appreciative for what he'd done for our careers. The person it hit more than anyone was Robin. He'd come the year before, tasted that success and wanted more.
"Visually you could see it hit him harder than anyone else at the time."
Van Persie struggled as much as any United player under Moyes, who has since been replaced by Louis van Gaal. When asked about Ferguson's retirement announcement last year, the Dutch forward: "I had to gasp for breath and I shook my head. Had he really said what I thought he'd said? The room fell deathly quiet and then everyone became emotional.
"Sir Alex then had a long talk with the squad. I found it a very special speech and felt privileged to have witnessed it."
Ferdinand questioned Van Gaal's decision to sell Danny Welbeck to Arsenal on final day of the summer transfer window. "I was surprised [at the move]," he said. "Gutted really. He's a local lad and has come through from the under-8s. For him to leave was a little disappointing. I don't think we've seen the best of Danny. He's still got a lot more in him.
"I hope the Arsenal manager gives him the chance to be that responsible front man he wants to be. I'm sure you'll see him flourish."
via TEAMtalk | Manchester Utd http://ift.tt/1ogeDsU
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