Robin van Persie: Manchester United manager David Moyes a 'little bit surprised' after striker plays 90 minutes for Netherlands day after being sick
The Dutch striker laid low in bed on Tuesday before turning out for the 2-0 defeat to France in Paris
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United boss David Moyes was surprised to see Robin van Persie play 90 minutes for Holland on Wednesday when he had spent the previous day laid low in bed through illness.
Van Persie played the whole of Holland's 2-0 friendly defeat to France in Paris.
Moyes was present at the match and he was taken aback by Louis van Gaal's decision to keep the striker on the pitch at the Stade de France.
"Robin was in his bed all day Tuesday being sick but he felt better on Wednesday and he played," the United manager said.
"I was a little bit surprised he played 90 minutes in a game they were losing 2-0 but he did do."
Moyes said Van Persie is now "fine" and in contention for a place in United's team to face West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
It has been an interesting couple of weeks for Van Persie.
Three days after scoring in the 2-0 win over Crystal Place, the 30-year-old gave an interview to Dutch broadcaster NOS following United's Champions League defeat to Olympiacos.
Van Persie's claim that some of his team-mates were "Often playing in my zones" was interpreted as a slant at some of the other United squad members who were on the pitch on that morale-draining night in Athens.
Speculation followed that Van Persie was unhappy at the club, but the fact that he was happy and willing to travel back with Moyes from France suggests the striker's relationship with his manager is at least a cordial one.
Moyes was annoyed at how Van Persie's quotes were interpreted, as well as speculation regarding the player's future in general.
"I actually travelled back after the (France v Holland) game, with Robin and Pat(rice) Evra," Moyes added.
"If you actually read the whole transcript I think it was taken out of context... we understand fully.
"Robin is a really good player and we will do everything possible to make those opportunities work for Robin."
Moyes added: "A lot of what has been said (about Van Persie) isn't correct."
Moyes' predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson bought Van Persie from Arsenal in the summer of 2012 and his goals fired the Red Devils to the title last term.
This season the Dutchman has scored 14 goals but United's overall form has been so poor that they are seventh in the Barclays Premier League with just 11 matches of the campaign remaining.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments