Manchester United transfer news: Robin van Persie urged to leave OT by Arsenal legend Martin Keown

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has urged Robin van Persie to leave Manchester United at the end of this season.

The 31-year-old has over one year left on his contract and his current employers have not handed him a new deal. He left the Emirates and joined Red Devils in 2012 and helped United win their 20<sup>th league title under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Van Persie has struggled to replicate his first season form in the last two years and his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. Real Madrid are believed to be interested in signing the Dutch international to bolster their strike force for the next season.

The former Gunners defender claims Van Persie has disappeared this term. Keown also claims he has almost become an embarrassment for Louis van Gaal.

"Three years ago Robin van Persie was deciding matches between Manchester United and Arsenal. His lethal instincts and sublime goals made the difference for both teams. The sides meet on Sunday and I can't help but think that it is time he left Old Trafford," Keown told the Daily Mail.

"When Van Persie left Arsenal he had just scored 37 goals in all competitions and the football writers and his fellow professionals named him their player of the year."

"A year later and he had 30 goals and a Premier League title to his name with Manchester United. He was the final piece of the jigsaw for Sir Alex Ferguson; the last star signing and the reason the Scot could retire with yet another winner's medal."

"This year we all expected him to flourish under Louis van Gaal. The pair had worked together for Holland and it seemed a natural fit."

"Instead, Wayne Rooney was made captain and Van Persie has disappeared into the shadows. He has almost become an embarrassment for Van Gaal; a problem the meticulous manager has not been able to solve," the former Arsenal star concluded.

Arsene Wenger takes his men to Old Trafford as the Gunners take on United in the penultimate game of this season on Sunday. Van Persie has declared fit by Van Gaal and in the absence of Wayne Rooney, the Dutchman should start against his former club.