Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has played down the hostility of home fans aimed at Manchester United striker Robin van Persie during yesterday's 1-1 draw.

Arsenal had given champions United a guard of honour on to the Emirates pitch but Van Persie was booed throughout by fans who cheered him during eight years at Arsenal.

Wenger put the hostile reception down to "disappointed love".

"When he was here he didn't get this kind of reception," said Wenger. "They loved him, so today it was a bit disappointed love.

"He took his penalty very well and I knew when he decided to take the penalty that there was an 80 per cent chance that he would score because he was our penalty taker and I know well that he does that very well. He does many things very well."