Transfer news: Robin van Persie request reports are 'nonsense' according to Manchester United manager David Moyes

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson suggested van Persie had asked for a transfer but Moyes instantly dismisses any speculation

Rumours that Robin van Persie handed in a transfer request have been dismissed as 'nonsense' by Manchester United manager David Moyes (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United manager David Moyes has rejected claims by Mark Lawrenson that Robin van Persie has asked to leave the club.

Pundit and former player Lawrenson made his observation in an interview on Irish radio on Friday.

Given Lawrenson knows Moyes through a connection at Preston, the comments were intriguing, even if United privately distanced themselves from them.

However, offered the opportunity to respond following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle, when Van Persie returned from a groin injury after a four-match absence, Moyes was unequivocal.

"That is absolute nonsense," said Moyes. "I don't know what harder or tougher word I could say but that's as good as I've got."