Manchester United manager David Moyes has dismissed claims that Robin van Persie wants to leave the club.

Football pundit Mark Lawrenson revealed during a recent interview that journalists had told him Van Persie put in a transfer request last week.

When asked about the rumours following United's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, Moyes unequivocally stated that the Dutchman will not be leaving.

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

United are currently ninth in the Premier League table.