He came, he saw, he conquered...he left, quite quickly.
Robin van Persie was the last transfer success of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United reign. Arriving from Arsenal in the summer of 2012 with the ambition of finally collecting a Premier League winner's medal, the Dutchman scored 26 league goals in his debut campaign and was the difference in the title race as United finished above Manchester City.
A year later he was struggling for fitness, just as he had been for most of his time at Arsenal, while a return of just 10 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, despite a strong World Cup for the Netherlands, saw Louis van Gaal move the striker on after just three seasons.
Now, Van Persie will be back at Old Trafford, a visitor with Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night. And, despite his relatively short stay, supporters are ready to offer the warmest of receptions for a former, albeit brief, hero.
Best goal ever seen at Old Trafford? #MUFC https://t.co/SIa1MKIkwX
Looking forward to seeing Robin van Persie return to Old Trafford tomorrow. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/hzTOJzAzHP
Ohhhhh Robin Van Persie
He is coming back! @Persie_Official #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ESrtd6tTil
United skipper Wayne Rooney, who set up arguably Van Persie's most famous United goal - a sublime volley against Aston Villa on the night the 2012/13 title was sealed, is also looking forward to seeing his old palagain.
"Looking forward to the next match on Thursday against Fenerbahce and seeing my old teammate and friend @robinvanpersie!" Rooney wrote in an Instagram post to the Dutchman.
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