Manchester United have definitely had some seriously top strikers over the years.
The Red Devils have been blessed with a fine array of talent over the club’s history, who have been banging in goals for fun at Old Trafford year after year.
The likes of Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nisterooy, Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and so many more have all cemented themselves in Manchester United folklore as some of the most prolific goalscorers in the club’s long history.
One striker who probably would’ve been amongst the very best of the best wasn’t at Old Trafford for too long – but definitely made his impact.
Robin van Persie at Manchester United
Robin van Persie joined Manchester United just a little too late – but what a player he was.
His tenure at Manchester United was marked by moments of brilliance and, ultimately, trophy success – that he certainly didn’t obtain in North London.
He was signed from Arsenal in 2012, and his debut season was simply phenomenal. He clinched the Premier League title and the Golden Boot with 26 goals. The Dutchman essentially won the Red Devils the title that season.
Subsequent seasons saw injuries hamper his impact, leading to a decline in form, particularly post-Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite this, he still contributed crucial goals, including a memorable header against Manchester City in 2013.
Van Persie departed United in 2015, having also won an FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford. Although his stint was relatively short-lived, his impact at the club has been everlasting – and he’s widely regarded as a Manchester United legend despite his short stay around Carrington.
Robin van Persie – the ‘perfect number nine’
Alongside Manchester United fans, the footballing world adores RVP. Including one of his former teammates, Mikel Arteta – who is now the boss of Arsenal.
In a recent quickfire interview with GOAL, Arteta was tasked with summing up footballers in one word (or in a few words in van Persie’s case).
When asked about the prolific Dutch forward, he responded: ‘The perfect number nine’. High praise.
He also labelled former Red Devil Alexis Sanchez with the word ‘chaos’, which we can also wholeheartedly agree with.