Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie has claimed that he is looking forward to going back "home" when his side take on Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Dutchman spent three years at United, winning the Premier League title in his first season at the North-West outfit, before moving to Turkey in 2015.

Van Persie's switch to United was a controversial one as he ended an eight-year spell at Arsenal to join their rivals in a £24m deal.

Ahead of tomorrow's Group A match, the 33-year-old told MUTV: "It will be a special occasion and a special game for me.

"I know Manchester United want to be in the Champions League, but it is how it is now and for me it is a very special group in the Europa League. In the last match I had a game against one of my first teams, Feyenoord, and next it's United. I am looking forward to it.

"I am now playing for Fenerbahce and I want to do well for my team but of course it will be special to play at home (Old Trafford) in a great stadium with great fans against a great team."

United sit one point behind group leaders Fenerbahce following one win and one defeat.