The Athletic FC Podcast Transfers that shook the world: Van Persie to Man United
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Jun 27, 2025 
Amy Lawrence, Arsenal correspondent, and David Ornstein, football correspondent, join Oli Kay and Andy Mitten to discuss Robin van Persie's controversial transfer from Arsenal to Manchester United in 2012. They delve into the fan backlash and its implications on club rivalries. The conversation highlights Sir Alex Ferguson's motives behind the transfer and how it influenced the Premier League landscape. The emotional impact on fans is also explored, making this a pivotal moment in modern football history that shaped Van Persie's legacy.
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Ornstein on Breaking Van Persie Transfer
- David Ornstein personally covered the nerve-wracking negotiation and transfer saga of Van Persie from Arsenal to Manchester United.
- Arsenal's hesitancy and Van Persie's unclear intentions prolonged the deal until Wenger decisively ruled Van Persie out of his plans.
Ornstein's Scoop Overshadows England Game
- Oli Kay recalled the shock and immediacy when David Ornstein's scoop broke the Van Persie transfer news during an England-Italy friendly in Bern.
- The news instantly overshadowed the match, plunging journalists and fans into transfer speculation panic.
Managers’ Phone Deal Signals Era Shift
- The once fierce Wenger-Ferguson rivalry faded by 2012 as Arsenal couldn't match Manchester United's competitiveness.
- The managers' direct phone negotiation for this transfer reflected a changing era in football management.