After Arsenal’s ex-captain followed, “the little boy inside him,” to join Premier League rivals Manchester United, a title win under Sir Alex Ferguson justified his bold and controversial decision to jump ship.

With 30 goals in his debut campaign, the Flying Dutchman was given assurance that he would be working with English football’s most successful manager in the long-run, before the Scotsman’s shock retirement changed everything.

Throw out your toys because of Moyes

This season has been a different ball game, United’s aura fading as the Red Devils have collapsed in the FA Cup, League Cup and lie 6th in the league with European football looking a distant memory.

Following the defeat to Olympiakos in Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 tie, Robin van Persie admitted to the media that he was unhappy with his side’s performance, indirectly swiping at struggling manager David Moyes.

“Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in. And when I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well. So that forces me to adjust my runs, based on the position of my fellow players. And unfortunately, they're often playing in my zones. I think that's a shame."

Gunning for a return

What won’t help Manchester United’s morale is the constant paper talk surrounding a potential return to Arsenal for the unhappy van Persie.

It’s been reported that Arsène Wenger has met with his representatives in regards to a move back to the Emirates, a rumour that has been met with much skepticism from fans around the world.

But perhaps the fans who consistently accuse the rest of being fickle, are indeed the fickle ones themselves. No player becomes a bad one overnight. At his best, Robin van Persie is a world-class striker who can score goals, assist and produce pure magic on his day.

Rocking Robin

It is important to keep a neutral perspective on the player, as it is easy to get caught up in the bitterness and negativity that surrounded his swift departure. Look at the Gunners now – while Giroud manages to lead the line, what would the team have been like with van Persie rallying his troops?

The world class striker that was needed, who could have turned losses into draws, draws into wins, there can be no denying that the man could only strengthen Arsenal’s squad.

Loyalty?

Loyalty is a rare species in football. For every Steven Gerrard, there is, ironically, a Luis Suarez. Look at Wayne Rooney. Can you seriously justify that the player is a Manchester United man through and through after two strops and a transfer request, yet has signed a new contract time and time again.

£300,000 a week! I think I would consider that offer too, however ‘unhappy’ I may feel!

RVP, is he for me?

Taking a step back from press speculation, it is unlikely that van Persie will jump ship from Manchester United after one trophyless season. He did endure eight with Arsenal!

But what Arsenal fans should acknowledge, like they should with players such as Emmanuel Adebayor and Samir Nasri, is that Robin van Persie could still a job for Arsenal.

Call him what you like, boo him when he returns to the Emirates, but never forget:

Form is temporary, class is permanent…

Have your say - RVP to Arsenal?

Poll results:

Latest: