It was probably only a matter of time until Robin van Persie got his wish to leave Arsenal and Emirates Stadium behind, because according to ManUtd.com, Arsenal and Manchester United havereached an agreement for the sale of the player. According to the New YorkTimes the move sets United back$34.5 million, which the squad will hope gets repaid in goals and more goals. While I think RVP is a great player, Sir Alex Ferguson is going to have deal with a glut of talent at the front or get real creative with his attacking formations.
United's frontline already boasts names like Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez, and Berbatov, and adding van Persie into the mix puts a whole lot of question marks about the future of any of the players. While I enjoy watching all the players up front, I would have to think that Berbatov is most likely to be sold either very soon or sometime during the winter transfer window. Barring injuries, the Red Devils just do not need all those players (and all that salary). I'm sure there is a master plan in the works; Sir Alex always seems to have a plan.
I'm not sure van Persie will be ready for the Monday, August 20 clash with Everton, but he does not have to be because the other major new acquisition, Shinji Kagawa, will be ready and willing to make a splash with United. I should be more thrilled with the van Persie purchase than I am, but unless he is considering a move to midfield (which is also getting crowded) I am not sure he is going to get enough time on the pitch.
It's a move that is definitely going to affect the playing time of other players up front, and it is likely Hernandez and Welbeck because I'm not certain Berbatov is still favored by Sir Alex, both of which have played well and looked like superstars in their own right at certain times. Both have a great feel for the ball and getting into space, but RVP also has those abilities to match a wealth of experience. Nobody paid $34.5 million to see van Persie on the sidelines at Old Trafford.
In the end, van Persie is now, or at least will be after his medical, be a factor for Manchester United. While the move will need a few months to settle out, there are without a doubt more transactions waiting for Sir Alex.
Jason Gallagher is a long-time Manchester United fan, following the performances of the Red Devils since the days of Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
