Robin van Persie made a sensational return to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Dutch striker who was a cult hero during his three years at the club faced his former employers for the first time since his £3.84 million departure to Turkish giants, Fenerbahçe, in 2015.
Prior to joining the Red Devils in 2012, van Persie spent eight years at Arsenal where he notched an impressive 132 goals in 277 games. However, it was at United the 33-year-old striker finally got it right by winning the Premier League title in just his first season at the club. He achieved this feat in grand style by hitting 26 goals in the league to also clinch the Golden Boot award for most goals.
As expected, his entrance to Old Trafford was greeted with great cheers and applauds from the home fans.
Paul Pogba scored twice with Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard also on target as the Red Devils went four up after just 48 minutes.
This was certainly not the kind of homecoming van Persie must have hoped for as he struggled to make a meaningful impact.
However, despite the huge goal difference and United’s dominance, van Persie still managed to get his name on the scoresheet for the visitors.
He displayed great composure to score with only his second touch inside the opposition box throughout the game.
Robin van Persie scored with just his second touch inside the opposition box of the entire game.
Clinical. pic.twitter.com/TaVUpC1HRO
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 20, 2016
It was definitely an emotional moment for the former Arsenal captain whose goal against the Res Devils was only his second of the season and 32nd at Old Trafford.
He received a standing ovation from fans after his strike with former United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, spotted applauding the Dutchman.
“The fans reaction was very special. It was a wonderful feeling,”the Dutchman revealed.
The victory takes United to six points from three games and second in Group A behind Feyenoord.
However, besides the enthusiast at the stadium, here’s a glimpse of how fans reacted to van Persie’s return to United on Twitter.
United showing why they have the best fans in the world. What a send off for a United great Robin Van Persie #MUFC pic.twitter.com/uuIHe7ctJE
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) October 20, 2016
Sir Alex and the Old Trafford applauds Robin Van Persie after the Dutchman scored the goal.
Class. ? pic.twitter.com/z36a2pW5W0
— Ramesh ? (@RameshK1902) October 20, 2016
Robin Van Persie. The reds will always love you, thank you! #MUFC ?????? pic.twitter.com/ZjLarJYgVg
— Full Time Reds (@FULLTIMEREDS) October 20, 2016
Finally we got a chance to say to say, Thank You Robin van Persie. pic.twitter.com/Un0jCv0DRf
— UtdWay (@UtdWay) October 20, 2016
Robin van Persie goal celebration against his former clubs. Contrast. pic.twitter.com/LePOvI8Tki
— 90thMin ⚽️ (@90thMin) October 20, 2016
Robin van Persie receives a standing ovation from both sets of fans after his goal ? https://t.co/f0Nbwi0Tau pic.twitter.com/6Bs01EvmkW
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) October 20, 2016
Robin Van Persie :
Started ✔
Scored ⚽️
Didn’t celebrate?
Got his Love and Respect ??Thank you for the memories #RVP20 @Persie_Official?? pic.twitter.com/yY3d7Upow7
— мuѕѕα (@mozyinho) October 20, 2016
Oooooh Robin Van Persie!!! Miss you buddy!!! You will always be a RED DEVIL!!!
— Vicky Hendy (@babypumpkin27) October 20, 2016
Hope u all have understood why ROBIN VAN PERSIE referred to old Trafford as home.
— ONYANGO OKOTH (@enock91) October 20, 2016
Robin Van Persie. What an absolute legend #RVP pic.twitter.com/QktzW0PCT8
— Artturi Lamminen (@artturilamminen) October 20, 2016
For the first time in my life as a Utd fan, I’m happy to have seen someone scored against us. Robin Van Persie! !!!!!!!
— Daily Blind (@dailyblindmutd) October 20, 2016
United fans singing Robin Van Persie when he scores against us ?? top fans man
— Ash Harrison (@cashharrison) October 20, 2016
