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Van Persie has struggled to recapture his best form since Ferguson's departure. Jon Super

Ferguson retirement hurt Van Persie the most - Ferdinand

The Manchester United striker had been at the club for only a year before the legendary manager stepped down.

FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED defender Rio Ferdinand says that Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement affected Robin van Persie more than anybody else at Old Trafford.

Van Persie was brought to United from Arsenal by Ferguson at the start of what proved to be the Scot’s final season in charge of the Red Devils.

The Netherlands striker fired the club to Premier League glory to send Ferguson off in style and Ferdinand, now at QPR, recalls that the Dutchman was clearly upset at his departure.

“It took the wind out of everyone’s sails. It gave us an extra push to go and win and be successful in that last season,” the ex-England man told MUTV of Ferguson’s retirement.

“Everyone was really appreciative for what he’d done for our careers.

“The person it hit more than anyone was Robin. He’d come the year before, tasted that success and wanted more. Visually, you could see it hit him harder than anyone else at the time.”

Since Ferguson left the hotseat at Old Trafford, United finished seventh in the Premier League last season under David Moyes and are now struggling under new boss Louis van Gaal.

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