The newly crowned Premier League champions have employed a firm made up of former army personnel to be sure of safety as the Dutchman faces his angry former supporters

EXCLUSIVE
By Paul Clennam

Manchester United are to beef up their security for their trip to Arsenal on Sunday as Robin van Persie returns to the Emirates Stadium for the first time as a Red Devils player.

Gunners fans’ emotions are still raw after the Dutchman joined their rivals last summer, with the disgruntlement set to be increased by the hosts’ needing to give United a guard of honour following their clinching of the Premier League title on Monday.

The new English champions are to employ a firm made up of former army personnel to err on the side of caution on their visit to north London.

The display of prudence is the club’s own, as the Metropolitan Police confirmed to Goal.com that it is not making any special security plans for the game.

Van Persie signed for the Red Devils in August after a drawn-out summer transfer saga, turning down Manchester City in the process, and has since scored 28 goals for his new side.

United’s decision may have been prompted in part by City midfielder Samir Nasri’s reception on his most recent return to the Emirates.

The former Arsenal star received abuse on his way out of the ground, with former team-mate Marouane Chamakh stepping to help protect the Frenchman from angry supporters.