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Robin van Persie: Sir Alex Ferguson exit behind Manchester United departure

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Robin van Persie looks ahead to his Old Trafford return and discusses his departure in 2015

Robin van Persie says he might still be playing for Manchester United, if Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.

The forward was signed by Ferguson in 2012 and was voted Player of the Year in his first season after scoring 31 goals in United's title-winning campaign. 

But, after Ferguson retired at the end of that season, Van Persie's form dipped and he left Old Trafford to join Fenerbahce in 2015.

Ahead of facing his former side on Thursday evening as Fenerbahce travel to United in the Europa League, he has revealed how things might have turned out differently.

"We will never know. It could have been that I could have been a player for Manchester United today," he said. "When I signed that was the idea, that Sir Alex would stay on for a few more years, but in football things change, you can't plan your own path or your coach's path.

Van Persie blasts home his left-foot volley against Villa in 2013
Image: Van Persie scored 31 goals for United in his first season at the club

"In this world you have to deal with how it comes."

Van Persie, who has scored 17 goals in 35 appearances for the Turkish side, says he is not dwelling on his decision ahead of his return to Old Trafford.

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"What happened happened. I don't think you have to make it bigger than it is," he said. "You shake hands and move on to the next chapter.

"I'm not that romantic, thinking 'that was the moment'. I will just do my lap, go in and prepare for tomorrow."

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