Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Robin van Persie was unloved during David Moyes's time in charge of Manchester United last season.

The Dutchman found the back of the net just 12 times in the Premier League as the Red Devils endured a disastrous campaign.

"When Sir Alex Ferguson left, he went from being the star man, our go-to guy, the top scorer, to being almost like a sideshow," Ferdinand is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

"I think that the dynamics changed. The manager, David Moyes, was talking up Wayne Rooney and forwards need to be loved. And I don't think he felt that love last season."

Van Persie scored twice for the Netherlands this evening as they came from behind to claim a 5-1 win in their World Cup opener against Spain.