
Arsenal May Face Van Persie in the Champions League as Man United’s Path Crosses With Gunners’ in the Last 16
For the first time in 16 years, Arsenal and Manchester United could face a reunion that would send shivers down the spines of both sets of fans. The Gunners, currently fourth in the Premier League, have a chance to meet their former star, Robin van Persie, in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The Red Devils, under the tactical guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have been on an impressive run, topping their group stage with 14 points from six matches. This sets up an intriguing possibility of a matchup between Van Persie’s current club and his former one.
The Dutch forward was a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 184 goals in 405 appearances between 2004 and 2012. His departure was a significant blow to the team, as he left to join Manchester United for a British transfer record fee of £24 million. During his six-year stint at Old Trafford, Van Persie won the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the League Cup, cementing his status as a United legend.
The possibility of a Champions League reunion is not the only exciting prospect for Arsenal fans. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, have made significant strides in the Premier League,—and the addition of Mesut Ozil, Nicolas Pepe, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has bolstered their attacking options. A meeting with Manchester United could be a mouthwatering prospect, with Van Persie facing his former team-mates and old friends.
Arsenal’s rotation system and the absence of key players like Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney due to injuries might hinder their chances in the Champions League knockout stage. However, the arrival of new signing Martin Odegaard could provide an X-factor, and the team’s spirit and determination could prove crucial in what promises to be a thrilling tie.
For Manchester United, Van Persie’s inclusion in the squad will provide a significant boost. His experience and understanding of the opposition’s defensive weaknesses could play a vital role in planning and executing a winning strategy. At 35, Van Persie still has the tendency to find the back of the net, posing a threat to the Arsenal defense.
While the tie has not been officially confirmed, the prospect of a Champions League reunion between Arsenal and Manchester United is setting the stage for an intriguing and emotional encounter. As fans of both clubs eagerly await the draw, predictions are likely to be fueled by nostalgia, club loyalty, and the unpredictability of European competition. Will we see the return of Van Persie’s iconic number 10 jersey against his former team? Only time will tell, but this is an exciting prospect that both teams and their supporters will carefully follow.
Schedule
- The UEFA Champions League draw takes place on December 15, 2021, at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT).
- The first-leg matches are scheduled to take place on February 16 and 17, 2022.
- The return legs are set for March 9 and 10, 2022.