RVP sticking with number 20 shirt

Robin van Persie intends to snub Manchester United’s number nine shirt and stick with 20 – to save fans having to shell out on another kit.

When Van Persie arrived from Arsenal, the number nine shirt was still worn by Dimitar Berbatov, who did not leave for Fulham until the end of August.

Instead, the Dutchman inherited the 20 shirt worn by Brazilian defender Fabio prior to his loan move to QPR.

Manager Alex Ferguson has offered Van Persie the chance to switch numbers next season.

However, the favourite to claim the Premier League Golden Boot prize for the second straight campaign intends to stick with what he has.

“I think I’ll keep it,” Van Persie told United Review. “I have the option to take number nine but I don’t think I will do that. I’ll stick with what is right and what feels good.

“Also, I don’t want to be harsh on the fans who have got number 20 on their kit. I don’t want them to have to buy a new shirt.

“It’s been a good number for me and now I can at least celebrate the 20th trophy for another year. I’ll stick with it.”