Robin van Persie: 'David Moyes tried his best'

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has said that he feels sorry for former manager David Moyes, who was sacked last month.

The Scot lasted just nine months in the role after taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer.

United are currently seventh in the league and will start next season without European football for the first time in more than 20 years.

"He's a good man. He really tried his best. He did everything in his power to make it work, and so from that point of view, I do feel sorry for him," Van Persie told BT Sport.

"When someone really tries and gives his heart for the cause, and in the end it doesn't really work out the way everyone wants it to, it is sad.

"It's a pity it went like that, but that is football."

Dutchman Van Persie has spent the last two months in Holland recovering from injury.