Robin Van Persie’s favourite Man Utd team-mates would make an unreal five-a-side team

Robin van Persie enjoyed a wonderful three-year spell with Manchester United. The Dutch forward has revealed who his five favourite team-mates were from his stint with the club.

During an interview with So Foot, the forward was asked to name his favourite team-mate from his time at Old Trafford and Van Persie managed to narrow it down to his favourite five.

These were the five United team-mates that Van Persie named in the interview as his personal favourites.

Nemanja Vidic

By the time Van Persie arrived at Old Trafford in 2012, Vidic was the club captain and he no doubt played a key role in helping the Dutch forward acclimatise to his new surroundings.

“Vidic was a warrior,” Van Persie said. “He put his head where normally it is scary to do so. He did anything to win.”

The duo only spent two seasons playing alongside one another, but they clearly built up a good relationship during that time. With Vidic at the back and Van Persie up front, United were a formidable force in 2012-13.

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Rio Ferdinand

Van Persie was also quick to shower Ferdinand with praise. They played alongside each other for two years and won the Premier League and Community Shield together.

“Ferdinand, he was more ‘elegant’, comfortable with the ball, strong in aerial play, good in long play,” Van Persie recognised.

The respect between the two players in clearly mutual as Ferdinand often talks about just how impactful the Ducth star was during his time in Manchester.

“He was actually a better player than I thought he was when he arrived at Manchester United – I had played against him many times vs Arsenal, so I knew he was good but not this good,” Ferdinand wrote on Facebook in 2015.

“As a player he is so silky to watch, great touch, can hold the ball up & bring others into play, timings of his runs, skills & a dream of a left foot….oh and he can finish!”

Ryan Giggs

By the time Van Persie arrived at United, Giggs was no longer at the peak of his powers, but he sure still knew how to influence a game.

When discussing the Welsh star, Van Persie said: “Giggs was the flamboyant player, always giving the impression of being in his comfort zone. Still in great shape at 39. He did yoga and lived football all the time.”

Giggs played the final two years of his career alongside RVP before he announced his retirement from the game in 2014.

Wayne Rooney

The chemistry between these two in the 2012-13 season was off the charts. In the Premier League alone, the pair scored a combined 38 goals to help United to the title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at the club.

“Rooney was impressive in his own style too. The guy was always full on,” Van Persie said when discussing the England forward.

The pair combined for some truly brilliant goals during their time together, including that ridiculous strike against Aston Villa.

That Rooney – Van Persie link up was a joy to be seen 👏
pic.twitter.com/l5MqS8cDLH

— Former Footballers (@FinishedPlayers) January 8, 2023

Patrice Evra

During their two years together, Van Persie clearly built up a strong bond with the Frenchman. Also known for his persona off the pitch, Evra was one hell of a full-back during his heyday.

“Evra, who always spoke loudly to instil confidence in the team. Today, I know he makes ‘funny’ videos, but please do not believe that is all he is, as he’s also a super professional and a super-intelligent guy,” Van Persie revealed.

“He speaks five languages – even Korean. His mind is as strong as his body.”

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