I hope we sign RVP! Rooney urges Arsenal striker to join him at United

Wayne Rooney has outlined his hopes that he may soon be playing with Robin van Persie as he warned Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City of the pressures of trying to defend the title.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has brought his club's pursuit of Arsenal striker Van Persie in to the public domain this week, admitting that a bid for the Dutch international has been lodged with the London club.
Rooney said: 'He's a player that I admire. He’s a fantastic player, he's been amazing for Arsenal over many years.

Wayne's world: Rooney has urged Van Persie to join him at Old Trafford

 

'Last season was probably his best season of all, he scored a lot of goals. If he does come here he would be a great addition to the squad.'
Rooney missed a penalty as United drew with Barcelona in a friendly in Sweden on Wednesday and heads in to the new season with the memories of a disappointing Euro 2012 still lingering.
But the United striker believes all the pressure will be on City this year as they try to retain the title they won with virtually the last kick of last season.
He added: 'I'm not sure we need any more motivation but to lose that way was difficult for us to take.
'It's a good chance for us now to bounce back from that. This is our chance to show everyone we are a good team and we’re capable of winning the league this season. That's obviously our aim.
'It'll be a different situation for City, something they've never experienced before but we know all about it when you're trying to defend your trophy.
'We know that over the years everyone has tried to raise their game when they play against Manchester United. Now obviously City being champions they'll have to face that. Sometimes it can be more difficult.
'We know how hard you have to work to try and win it back but hopefully come the end of the season we'll have it back.

Talking the talk: Rooney believes the Dutchman would be a great addition to the squad

Talking the talk: Rooney believes the Dutchman would be a great addition to the squad

'City have got some great players. Chelsea have spent a lot of money. So it’ll be a close run thing.'
Rooney was taken off at half-time on Gothenburg as Ferguson tried to rotate his squad ahead of the season's opener at Everton in 10 days.
'I'm not sure why that was, you'd have to ask the manager,' said Rooney. 'I think he felt some other players needed minutes.
'But I'm excited, I feel good, I feel fresh and I'm looking forward to the new season. It's a big season for us after last season and we all need to be ready for it.
'It's a rare thing for Manchester United not to have any trophies. But we felt we were unlucky in the league.
'We know we let ourselves down in Europe. That's something we’ve had to think about.
'I'm sure we'll be a lot better this season. Our first aim will be to improve on last year and I think we can do that.'

Waiting game: Van Persie is still training with Arsenal, despite his stated desire to leave