Striker is being 'forced' out of Manchester United

A friend of Manchester United striker, Robin van Persie is accusing the Red Devils of trying to drive the 31-year-old away from club behind his back.

After an underwhelming season, Manchester United are ready to listen to offers for the former Arsenal captain with only a year remaining on his contract.

Pierre van Hooijdonk, a former Feyenoord and Holland team-mate of the United striker is however claiming that the club is secretly marketing him about.

“As early as January of this year, I received information from Turkey about Robin and Fenerbahce,” said Van Hooijdonk in his first-person column in Voetbal International.

“The minute this information came, you knew that United had sent people to test the water for a move.

"Agents and others were searching for big clubs who are prepared to pay the high fee involved for van Persie. Robin’s contract expires next year, so this is the moment when United can still get money for him.”

“Van Persie is in a difficult situation," Van Hooijdonk added.

"To the outside world he says he is happy to stay and I can understand this. But Robin has the feeling that United want to get rid of him.

“A big club in England, Spain or Germany is a more attractive option. Until the player realises that behind his back the two clubs have done a big deal.

“That is the moment the pressure is put on. You are almost forced to go to the club where your employer has struck a deal. This is what I mean with games being played right now.”

“Of course the money is good, life is good in Istanbul, but it is not a big football league in Europe we are talking about.

“There is a lot at stake right now for Robin. He could be heading for his last Euro tournament in France next summer. So he needs to play a lot in the 10 months before the Euros.”

Van Hooijdonk in his colmun also disclosed his relationship between him and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

“I have a feeling that his relationship with Louis van Gaal is not as good as it was when they were both having cosy chats looking at players in the stands in Holland," Van Hooijdonk said.

“I would advise Robin to leave United this summer. All the signals are there that the club wants to sell him. So he has to get out on time.”