Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie admits he is looking forward to facing former club Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday but is fully focused on helping his current side secure a victory at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international spent three seasons in Manchester between 2012 and 2015, scoring 48 goals in 86 Premier League appearances, while also helping the club claim top-flight glory in 2013.

The 33-year-old will now return to Old Trafford on Thursday night and admits he is looking forward to the occasion, but his main focus will be to help Fener secure an away success.

“I have to find the right balance of having fun, enjoying the moment of being back here and doing my work,” he said. “I have to try and do my best for Fenerbahce.

I give my all. I don’t really follow the daily opinions in the papers or social media because to me if you start doing that I don’t think it brings you forward.”

Van Persie has been used as a substitute in Fener’s two group matches to date, against Zorya Luhansk and Feyenoord, but is hoping to secure a starting berth for Thursday night’s match.

He continued: “I know what I have to do – train well, be positive – and I know as well that I can’t play fantastic every single game or in training.

That’s the football world and I do respect other opinions, but I know what I want and I try to give everything I have.”

Fenerbahce are available at 6.50 to secure all three points at Old Trafford, while United are priced at 1.50 and the draw is on offer at 4.50.