ALEX FERGUSON admits he is expecting the “modern generation” of Arsenal fans to boo Robin van Persie on Sunday.
But the Manchester United boss has told his striker to ignore any cat-calls from from the Emirates faithful.
Van Persie left Arsenal for Old Trafford in the summer in a £22million dealand has proved the major difference in this season’s title race.
The Dutchman took his tally to 24 Premier League goals with Monday’s hat-trick against Aston Villa as United sealed the title.
But his appearance in North London this weekend is unlikely to go down well with the Arsenal fans who felt he had let them down by leaving.
Ferguson said: “I don’t bother about it, and I don’t think Robin should bother about it either.
“There was a bit of booing when he played at Old Trafford and I expect a portion of fans will do that.
“That is the modern generation I am afraid.”
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed this morning that United will be given a guard of honour in recognition of their championship triumph.
Ferguson said: “I am glad Arsene has done that, when they came to Old Trafford in 2002 and Sylvain Wiltord scored the only goal, we did exactly the same.
“That is what great clubs should do.
“For Arsenal to have one of their players go to their biggest rivals of the last 20 years doesn’t sit well with their fans, nor Arsene for that matter.
“But it does happen. You just have to move on. Arsenal have moved on now.
“They are challenging for a Champions League place and have every chance of getting one.
“What it meant to Robin showed in his celebrations, not just after he had scored the goals but at the end of the match.”
“We had a few players who were winning it for the first time but he was celebrating better than the others.”
Van Persie could be joined by Robert Lewandowski at Old Trafford in the summer.
The Pole has also been heavily linked with Bayern Munich, having indicated an intention to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
His pricetag will have increased following his four-goal blast against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
And Ferguson admits the striker has caught his attention.
He added: “I was not surprised. I tipped Dortmund to win it the minute we were knocked out. I think they will win it now.
“They all did well on Tuesday. They are a very good team.
“But Lewandowski. Four goals? What can you say?
“For anyone to score four goals in a game of that nature, against such a great team as Real Madrid, it is a wonderful achievement.
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