Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has praised Manchester United striker Robin van Persie ahead of his club’s clash with the English Premier League giants at Old Trafford at the weekend.
Van Persie arrived at Old Trafford via Arsenal for a fee of £24 million in the summer transfer window, and has already bagged four goals in three league appearances for United, including a match-winning hat-trick against Southampton at The Friends Provident St Mary’s Stadium on 2 September.
“We all know what level Robin van Persie is at. What he did with Arsenal – not many players can reach that level,” Martinez told The Wigan Observer.
“Obviously he went to Manchester United, and you’re expecting him to take a little bit of time to settle in. But he proves everyone wrong with a phenomenal display against Southampton.”
Since joining Arsenal in 2004, the Holland international has netted six times against the Latics in all competitions, including a league hat-trick on 22 January 2011.
With Rooney out due to injury, expect Van Persie to get the start and find the back of the net, perhaps more than once, yet again.
Premier League Betting Odds: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Manchester United (1/4) v Wigan Athletic (11/1); Draw (5/1)
United are 11/1 to beat Wigan 4-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, 15 September 2012.
Bet of the Day: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Robin van Persie is 13/5 to score two or more goals against the Latics.
Premier League Preview: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
As previously mentioned, Roberto Martinez will lead Wigan Athletic to Old Trafford to clash with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United on Saturday.
The Latics are huge underdogs, and understandably so.
Prior to their 1-0 victory over United on 22 April 2012, Wigan had conceded 30 goals, while netting just one, in their last nine fixtures against the Red Devils. That’s not very good.
After you take Wigan’s unlikely triumph into account, United have recorded a 9-0-1 record in their last ten fixtures against the Greater Manchester side, while recording a goal difference of +28.
In short, do not bet on Wigan to get a result at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday.
Manchester United Transfer Rumours
According to Goal.com, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to part ways with Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who joined the Red Devils from FC Porto for a fee of £18 million in May 2007.
Anderson featured in just 10 Premier League games for United last term, and has essentially fallen out-of-favour with the Scottish manager.
“He hasn’t really realised his potential, which is there for all to see,” Ferguson revealed in April 2012. “He is a fantastic footballer. I just hope he doesn’t have the bad luck that Michael Owen has had throughout his career.”
Benfica and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in Anderson, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2015.
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