Robin van Persie

Manchester United could win their first trophy in six years when they take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday - but Erik ten Hag is not getting ...

[Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) having played a game more - and have an outside chance of winning the title. Beating Newcastle will be difficult, as Eddie Howe's side are fifth in the Premier League table and enjoying their best season in years. Last season was arguably the toughest since Ferguson's exit. [West Ham](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/west-ham-united-fc) at home in the fifth round of the FA Cup - a game they would expect to win - and take on [Newcastle](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. The first leg between the two sides finished 2-2 at the Camp Nou, with a spot in the last 16 of the tournament at stake. A clip of the interview was released by BT Sport ahead of Thursday night's game. So, we have to improve. from compliments you don't collect trophies - and that's why we are here. The Red Devils have improved significantly since Ten Hag arrived last summer. [Let us know in the comments below!](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manutd-barcelona-tenhag-van-persie-29297573#comments-wrapper) [Erik ten Hag](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/erik-ten-hag) interrupted [Robin van Persie](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/robin-van-persie) during an interview after the ex-striker lauded the manager's work at [Manchester United](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc). [Van Persie interviewed Ten Hag](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manutd-barcelona-vanpersie-rashford-fernandes-29297096) for BT Sport ahead of United's Europa League clash against [Barcelona](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/fc-barcelona) at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Robin van Persie has cheekily suggested there is one team Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will not want to face in the last 16.

[Who can Manchester United and Arsenal face in the Europa League last 16 and when is the draw?](https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/23/who-can-man-utd-and-arsenal-face-in-europa-league-last-16-and-when-is-the-draw-18339395/?ico=more_text_links) Asked who he would be rooting for if the two sides were drawn against each other, the Dutchman replied: ‘I work for Feyenoord now! And Feyenoord is my childhood team so.. [Manchester United come from behind to stun Barcelona in another Europa League thriller](https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/23/europa-league-manchester-united-come-from-behind-to-stun-barcelona-18338683/?ico=more_text_links) ‘We will see. [Manchester United](https://metro.co.uk/tag/manchester-united-fc/?ico=auto_link_sport_P1_LNK1) boss Erik ten Hag will not want to face in the last 16 of the [Europa League](https://metro.co.uk/tag/europa-league/?ico=auto_link_sport_P1_LNK2).

ROBIN VAN PERSIE cracked a surprised smile as he reacted to Manchester United fans chanting his name at Old Trafford.The former striker joined BT Spor.

[visited United training ](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/sir-alex-ferguson/)this week and was seen hugging old teammate David De Gea. [FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS](https://www.thesun.co.uk/betting/20812234/free-bets/) [Van Persie](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/robin-van-persie/) broke out into a surprised smile and glanced towards the crowd. [Paul Scholes](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/paul-scholes/) and Owen Hargreaves. [Sir Alex Ferguson](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/sir-alex-ferguson/) raided rivals Arsenal for their top star late in the window as he looked to respond to the crushing, infamous title loss at the end of the 2011-12 season when Sergio Aguero struck. [Red Devils' second-leg Europa League win against Barcelona](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21452574/man-utd-barcelona-live-score-stream-tv-channel-watch-europa-league-online/).

Robin van Persie returned to Manchester United for their Europa League tie with Barcelona.

He said it’s just giving me so much joy to watch Manchester United play again." A couple of weeks ago I was with him for a couple of days just to learn and to see how he works, and he is in every morning at seven. Van Persie was initially surprised that the fans remembered him so fondly, having spent just three seasons at the club. Van Persie currently works as a coach for Feyenoord but visited Carrington and spoke with Ten Hag prior to the Barcelona tie and could not hide his delight at hearing his name sung once again at Old Trafford by the United faithful, prompting him to hint that he may return to the club one day. "I think it is very important to win tonight because you go into that final on Sunday in a good mood - a winning mood. The ex- [Arsenal](/latest/arsenal-fc) star moved to United in 2012 controversially to win a [Premier League](/latest/premier-league) title under Alex Ferguson, as some Gunners supporters failed to forgive the Netherlands man for his exit.

Ex-Manchester United duo Robin van Persie and Paul Scholes have praised Bruno Fernandes' selfless displays, comparing him to Wayne Rooney.

‘And sacrifice is what it is all about in these big games. When the team needs you on the wing, then he does that. [check our sport page](https://metro.co.uk/sport/). [Who can Manchester United and Arsenal face in the Europa League last 16 and when is the draw?](https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/23/who-can-man-utd-and-arsenal-face-in-europa-league-last-16-and-when-is-the-draw-18339395/?ico=more_text_links) [what proved to be the winner in a 2-1 (4-3 on aggregate) victory](https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/23/europa-league-manchester-united-come-from-behind-to-stun-barcelona-18338683/). [Manchester United](https://metro.co.uk/tag/manchester-united-fc/?ico=auto_link_sport_P1_LNK1) duo Robin van Persie and Paul Scholes have praised Bruno Fernandes’ selfless displays on the wing in recent weeks and likened him to club legend [Wayne Rooney](https://metro.co.uk/tag/wayne-rooney/?ico=auto_link_sport_P1_LNK2).

Fred and substitute Antony scored in the second half to clinch a 2-1 victory and send United into the Europa League last 16.

“I really loved the second half. Manchester United have beaten Barcelona 2-1 after an epic battle at Old Trafford. Fred and substitute Antony scored in the second half to clinch a 2-1 victory and send United into the Europa League last 16.

United defeated Barcelona 2-1 (4-3 agg) on Thursday night to advance past the play-off stage and into the tournament knockout stage proper, thanks to Fred ...

They want to get the result and if you believe in that, even when you concede a cheap penalty, you have to go on. Van Persie spent eight years with the Gunners before leaving for United under acrimonious circumstances in 2012, citing his desire to win football's biggest prizes. We have some players and great personalities and even when you get setbacks, they move on. The former Put to him by Owen Hargreaves that his side were now able to cope with adversity in a way they weren't previously, Ten Hag nodded and pointed to the 'personalities' within his squad as being reason for that. 'If we draw Feyenoord, I know who to go to for all the information!': Erik ten Hag jokes that he will consult Robin van Persie if Manchester United get the Dutch league leaders in Friday's Europa League last-16 draw

Robin van Persie's former club Manchester United take on LaLiga leaders Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League ...

"From the fans' point of view, it's a joy to watch. It's nice to see the whole energy around the club is so much more positive and the guys are working very hard for that." The likes of Van Persie, who was linked with the assistant manager role at United last summer, added: "People are really happy to see Manchester United play. "You have quality players in front who can make the difference. [United's in-house media team](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/robin-van-persie-discusses-fan-meeting-and-optimism-ahead-of-barcelona) during his visit to their Carrington training ground. I'm really looking forward to it." He is expecting Thursday night's game to be a "special" occasion. United take on Xavi's side at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with a spot in the last 16 of the Europa League at stake. In any normal game, they will make that difference. When asked if he could sense something "special" was brewing at Old Trafford, the former [Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) striker replied: "I can feel that. [Robin van Persie](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/robin-van-persie) believes [Bruno Fernandes](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bruno-fernandes) and [Marcus Rashford](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/marcus-rashford) can inspire [Manchester United](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) to victory against [Barcelona.](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/fc-barcelona)

Danny Welbeck has highlighted Robin van Persie's glorious volley for Manchester United against Aston Villa as the greatest goal he has seen live.

Asked who the best player he has ever played against is, Welbeck picked ex-Chelsea hero Eden Hazard, saying: "He was like unbelievable. "I could see Robin's eyes just watching the ball and it's just bam! [Wayne] Rooney’s picked the ball up in the middle of the park, played a beautiful ball over the top and it was just falling perfectly for him," he said in the latest episode of Simply the Best.

Robin van Persie has revealed the vibe around Manchester United is far more positive than it was previously due to the improvements new boss Erik ten Hag ...

[Join the debate!](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manutd-van-persie-ten-hag-29293473#comments-section) What do you make of the job Ten Hag has done at Man Utd? The Red Devils [face Barcelona on Thursday night](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manutd-barcelona-team-lineup-tenhag-29282266) with a spot in the last-16 of the [Europa League](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/europa-league) up for grabs and also have an [FA Cup](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/fa-cup) fifth round tie against [West Ham](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/west-ham-united-fc) next week. And Van Persie, [who was back at Old Trafford](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manutd-tenhag-vanpersie-barcelona-carrington-29283806) this week, stressed that an aura of positivity is now back at the club because of Ten Hag. "The whole energy around the club is so much more positive than it used to be in the last few years. I said where did you travel from and he said I travelled especially to watch the match tomorrow and on Sunday for the cup final, from Bangkok. From the fans' point of view, it's a joy to watch. [club media](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/robin-van-persie-discusses-fan-meeting-and-optimism-ahead-of-barcelona) if he could sense something special brewing, Van Persie replied: "I can feel that. I'm really looking forward to it." I said it's nice to hear but that is like a sign - people are really happy to see Manchester United play. For example, this morning, when I arrived at the airport, a fan came towards me and asked the question if I'm going to the game. And despite a challenging start to his tenure, the Dutchman has managed to get United challenging for major honours this term. [Arsenal](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/arsenal-fc) at the summit of the [Premier League](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/premier-league) and are also in the [Carabao Cup](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/league-cup) final, where they will meet [Newcastle](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) on Sunday.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has showered praise on Marcus Rashford, calling him a unique talent. Rashford has been on fire ...

[By India Today Web Desk](/author/india-today-web-desk): Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has showered praise on Marcus Rashford, calling him a unique talent. “Rashford is a unique talent. Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has showered praise on Marcus Rashford, calling him a unique talent.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE has told Erik ten Hag there's one team he will not want to face in the Europa League last-16 draw.And he hopes they would BEAT old.

No, I think it’s a possibility!” “We will see. Ten Hag replied: “I go to [Robin] to get all the information! ROBIN VAN PERSIE has told Erik ten Hag there’s one team he will not want to face in the Europa League last-16 draw. This prompted Van Persie, who was alongside Ten Hag on the pitch, to say: “I think Erik wants to play against anyone except one team. Robin van Persie tells Erik ten Hag the one team to avoid in Europa draw and says he would back them to BEAT Man Utd

Manchester United booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona, following a 2-1 second leg victory at Old ...

Asked who he would be siding with if two sides were drawn against each other, the Dutchman replied: “I work for Feyenoord now! He replied: “I go to [Robin] to get all the information! And Feyenoord is my childhood team so.. The La Liga leaders took a first-half lead through Robert Lewandowski’s penalty, but a second-half turnaround inspired by Ten Hag’s attacking changes at the break, saw goals from Brazilian duo Fred and Anthony earn United victory. No, I think it’s a possibility.” Promoted Stories

Ex-Manchester United ace Robin van Persie has singled out Casemiro and Raphael Varane as two Red Devils stars worthy of praise after the club's Europa ...

[HAVE YOUR SAY!](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/van-persie-manutd-claim-barcelona-29301542#comments-wrapper) Can United go all the way in the Europa League? "Antony and Garnacho don’t fear anyone, then Bruno and Casemiro of course. Ten Hag sent a similar message as he praised the 'personalities' he can call upon within his squad. "Casemiro, Varane, these guys are winners and can get you through a tough moment in a game," Van Persie told BT Sport. With that being said, the aforementioned duo were not the only pair of United stars who impressed. They have an opportunity to secure their first piece of silverware on Sunday when United take on Things didn't exactly get off to the brightest start in the second leg, with Even though they were behind, I still felt they could come back in the game. [Newcastle](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) in the Carabao Cup final. [Fred](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/fred) and marquee summer signing [Antony](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/antony) turned the tie on its head and sealed United's place in the round-of 16. [Manchester United](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) striker [Robin van Persie](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/robin-van-persie) has waxed lyrical over the impact of both [Raphael Varane](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/raphael-varane) and [Casemiro](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/casemiro) in Thursday night's [Europa League](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/europa-league) victory over [Barcelona](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/fc-barcelona). [Robert Lewandowski](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/robert-lewandowski) putting the visitors in front from the penalty spot.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was compared to Wayne Rooney by Robin van Persie following the Reds' victory over Barcelona on Thursday night.

Next up for the Reds is the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. Fernandes set up Fred to fire home the equaliser moments after the restart. "Rooney did it as well a couple of times in his time on the wing, and it’s like when you’re a great player you are a team player. [United's](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) progression to the next stage with a curling effort. [Fernandes](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/bruno-fernandes) grabbed his 10th assist of the season for United on Thursday as the Reds defeated Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate. [Europa League](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/europa-league).

Both Robin van Persie and Paul Scholes were impressed with the role that Bruno Fernandes played in Manchester United's triumph over Barcelona.

And even as a winger, he is still doing well, but I do agree with Owen (Hargreaves) that in the centre of the pitch, he is, by far, the best.” “We know Bruno will sacrifice himself to play out there. He did it so many times to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo and just bringing that anticipation and quality to the team that Bruno has, wherever he plays in the team, he is capable of creating a goal.” (Jadon) Sancho was playing in a little bit of a different position – OK, he came on on Sunday and did ok there – but he’s not comfortable there, he wants to be out in the wider spaces. It’s like when you are a great player, you are a team player. The role of Fernandes had plenty of people talking as he lined up on the right-hand side in the first half with Jadon Sancho playing as the number 10.

Man United progressed to the Europa League Round of 16 after defeating Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate over two legs.

[United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) went a goal down after Robert Lewandowski put the visitors in front from the penalty spot. The Reds are aiming to lift their first trophy since 2017. "Casemiro, Varane, these guys are winners and can get you through a tough moment in a game," Van Persie told BT Sport. [Erik ten Hag](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/erik-ten-hag)'s side ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory against the Catalan giants. The Dutchman suggested that the experience from their days together at Real Madrid can only benefit Ten Hag's side this season. [Casemiro](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/casemiro) and centre-back [Varane](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/raphael-varane) who impressed [Van Persie](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/robin-van-persie) on the night.