Granada Robin van Persie

Manchester United's positive week took a turn for the worse on Friday afternoon as striker Robin van Persie was ruled out for "around four to six weeks" with a sprained knee.

The Barclays Premier League champions announced the bad news on their official Twitter page, with the Holland international cut down just two days after firing the club into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Van Persie's hat-trick against Olympiacos had been viewed as a possible turning point in United's poor season, but he was later carried off on a stretcher with Friday's news meaning he may not play again until May.

David Moyes said he's not surprised Robin van Persie has pledged his future to the club.

Speaking at his news conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool, the Manchester United manager said: "I've been telling you... he's happy here and we're pleased."

Moyes also said beating Liverpool on Sunday would be 'a big boost' and described the fixture as 'still the biggest game in the league'.

He said Nani is back in training and that Rafael, Javier Hernandez and Jonny Evans all have a chance of playing on Sunday.

Manchester United fans have recognised Robin van Persie’s successful first season by voting him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year at the club’s end-of-season awards.

The ceremony was held at at Old Trafford last night.

Michael Carrick took second place, with David De Gea voted third.

Manchester United's new signing Robin Van Persie is expected to feature in their first match of the season tonight.

They're at Everton who's four-all draw at Old Trafford dented United's title hopes last season.

Van Persie signed from Arsenal for £24m.

Robin van Persie said there were "no hard feelings" after he completed a move from Arsenal to Premier League rivals Manchester United FC.

In his first press conference as a United player, he said: "From my side and Arsenal's side, there is no hard feelings. No one is angry with me and I'm not angry with them".

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