Robin van Persie was back in action at Old Trafford on Thursday as Fenerbahce took on his former club, Manchester United, in Europa League Group A.
Here, we take a look at how the Dutch striker fared as his side were beaten 4-1.
Reception
It was clear to see the United fans at the stadium still had plenty of affection for the man who scored 58 goals in his stint with the club between 2012 and 2015.
They cheered and clapped when van Persie’s name was announced over the speaker system prior to kick-off, and chanted it at various stages throughout the game – including after he scored.
Goal threat
Van Persie had experienced a fairly quiet evening performance-wise up to the point he got his goal, although the response when he curled an effort off-target around the hour mark – more chants of his name around the ground – suggested it would be interesting if he did manage to hit the back of the net.
And when it happened in the 83rd minute, as he converted substitute Emmanuel Emenike’s cross from close range, there was the bizarre scene at Old Trafford of a goal for the away side being applauded around the ground. Sir Alex Ferguson, the 33-year-old’s former United boss, could be seen joining in.
United being 4-0 up by that stage was no doubt a factor in the reaction, but it was still a notable testament to van Persie’s popularity.
Overall
A strange night for van Persie – his side were comprehensively beaten, yet he still must have taken some real enjoyment from his return to the stadium.
