Manchester United manager David Moyes dismissed speculation linking striker Robin van Persie with a move away from the club as "absolute nonsense" following his side's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. Earlier today, BBC sport's Mark Lawrenson claimed the Dutchman had handed in a transfer request and wants to quit the club in the January window. Van Persie has become one of United's most important players since his move from Arsenal last summer, scoring 40 goals in 62 appearances. However, Lawrenson claimed "he had heard" the former Gunner is unhappy with life at the champions, and had expressed these feelings by way of a transfer request Tuesday this week. Lawrenson told radio station Today FM:
There's all sorts of rumors coming out of the training ground at the moment, and one or two of the press boys I know who cover Manchester United have said the big whisper is that Van Persie might have asked for a transfer on Tuesday. If that happens, what a mess that is going to be for David Moyes.
However, speaking in his post-match press conference this afternoon off the back of yet another home defeat, Moyes blasted Lawrenson's claims as "absolute nonsense". The former Everton boss rapped:
"That is absolute nonsense. I don't know what harder or tougher word I could say than that but it's as good as I've got."
Van Persie returned from the sidelines against Newcastle after sitting out his side's last four games with a groin injury, but could not inspire his side to a much-needed win over the Magpies. A single Yohan Cabaye goal settled the game following a dreadful defensive error from Patrice Evra, and earned Newcastle their first win at Old Trafford since 1972.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
