WENGER NSURE ON RVP

Arsene Wenger has refused to be drawn on speculation linking Robin van Persie with a return to Arsenal. It has been speculated in recent weeks that Arsenal could make a bid for the former striker, who is growing increasingly frustrated at Manchester United. Van Persie joined United only in the summer of 2012 for £ 24 million. He lifted the Premier league title in his first season at the club, but the future of United is looking in major doubt after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. David Moyes, who has replaced in the summer, has not been able to reproduce the same consistency of results.

It is also thought that van Persie is unhappy with the training methods of Moyes, who he thinks has been very prehistoric. This has led to rumours linking him with moves abroad, while recent rumours suggest that he may even return to Arsenal. Wenger has fuelled the speculation even more by refusing to comment on this speculation ahead of the match with Manchester United on Wednesday night. Arsenal need to win this match at all costs in order to stay in the title race and also to rediscover the winning run.

The club suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday.

“I don’t think that’s an ideal subject for us to treat today. I think it is best we don’t talk about that at the moment. Robin van Persie is a great player, we know that. It doesn’t mean he has to score [against Arsenal on Wednesday]. It depends how we defend against him,” said Wenger. The Frenchman also gave his support to Moyes, who he thinks should be handed more time to do well at United. Moyes has not won against the traditional top four in an away match in 48 attempts.