FANS can’t believe it was “sheer coincidence” two legends turned up at Old Trafford just days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover to take in Manchester United’s astonishing win over Aston Villa.
Many Red Devils’ supporters were almost as delighted to see Edwin van der Sar and Robin van Persie as they were by the 3-2 comeback win.
And plenty of them reckon the duo are in line for roles under Ratcliffe – after seeing their fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag possibly save his job.
Fans were especially thrilled to see ex-keeper Van der Sar following his health problems earlier this year.
But excitement at noticing the two heroes from Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era initially turned to dreaming that they were still good enough to play as United trailed 2-0 in Boxing Day’s Premier League match.
Typical comments at this stage included: “Any chance Van Persie and Van der Sar can come on now?” – followed by crying emojis.
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But in the second half, Alejandro Garnacho struck twice before Rasmus Hojlund broke his Prem duck by firing the Red Devils’ late clincher.
Fans responded with observations like: “A magnificent Manchester United comeback with legends Van Der Sar & Van Persie at Old Trafford, the script writers outdid themselves on this one.”
One wrote: “First United match after Ineos completed 25% United deal. Sir Dave Brailsford (Sir Jim’s right hand man) in attendance. Edwin Van Der Sar at Old Trafford for first time since his health scare. Robin Van Persie at Old Trafford. Good evening for United!”
Speculation spiralled over possible roles for the Holland icons under Ratcliffe – once the 25 per cent buy-in from Britain’s richest man is ratified by football chiefs.
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Van der Sar, 53, left his last position as Ajax CEO in May this year.
And Feyenoord promoted 40-year-old Van Persie to joint head coach of their Under-18s and U19s this season.
“Edwin and RVP attending the game, following Sir Jim is an interesting turn of events,” wrote one fan, who added: “I doubt it’s by sheer coincidence.”
Another posted: “Van der Sar and Van Persie in the stands, what could this mean?”
A third pondered: “INEOS giving Van Der Sar a role? This seems very coincidental?”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
