I left Arsenal for Manchester United...what they did on my return just didn't feel right

There will be no warm welcome for Manchester United when they travel to face old foes Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. Across a weekend when so many lower league sides prepare for dream ties against top-flight opposition, there is still no ignoring the fact that United versus Arsenal remains the tie of the round.

These two great sides have challenged for Premier League titles, met in a Champions League semi-final, and played some of the greatest-ever FA Cup clashes between them. It's a rich history that only made what happened on the 28 April 2013 that bit more humiliating.

United had just won their 20th Premier League title with a home win against Aston Villa, setting up a now iconic return to the Emirates for star striker Robin van Persie. It was his signing from Arsenal and the 26 league goals that followed in his debut season that proved to be the catalyst as Sir Alex Ferguson ended his glittering managerial career by reclaiming the title from their increasingly noisy neighbours.

As part of the transfer agreement, Arsenal earned a £1.5 million windfall from the fact Van Persie helped United win a major trophy in his first season at the club. It proved to be priceless for his new club. With the Premier League title secured, it was common courtesy for them to be given a guard of honour, though there was no rule stating it had to be honoured.

United had to swallow their pride when they did the same for Chelsea at Old Trafford in 2005 and Arsene Wenger called for 'respect' for Arsenal fans ahead of what was always going to be a hostile return.

"When you work somewhere abroad, you have to respect the culture of the country. That is part of the tradition of English football and I want that to be respected," Wenger said. "We respect Robin van Persie like every other player who has left us and came back to the Emirates. I want the player to be respected like everybody else. I always said that for every single player who left, even some of them in much more controversy than Robin van Persie."

The build-up to the match was dominated by speculation over Van Persie's potential reception, but it was no surprise with what followed. A few Arsenal fans turned their back on the Dutchman as he made his way out onto the pitch, some applauded their former star. The majority, as expected, booed him throughout the match.

“I didn’t like it. Some of them were my friends, I spent eight years there and I was just happy that it was over,” the striker told the UTD podcast. "I could see in their faces that they didn’t like it, which I get. And then you see me walking there, I was just happy that it was over. I think it’s a nice gesture to do towards the champions, but it just didn’t feel right, not for me and not for Arsenal. It was a little bit awkward there, so I didn’t feel really comfortable about that. From my point of view, it didn’t need to happen. Okay, it’s part of the rules and, from the basics, I did like it but not that particular day.”

The boos quickly turned to cheers when, just two minutes into the match, Van Persie was at fault for Arsenal's opener. He carelessly conceded possession in midfield, Tomas Rosicky played the ball to Theo Walcott, and he beat David de Gea with a low effort.

It didn't take long to see why United were champions and Van Persie their star though. He was at the heart of everything his side did well, winning a penalty that he then dispatched to draw the sides level at half-time. A spirited second-half performance ensured Arsenal escaped with the point they deserved, and as the full-time whistle rang around the stadium, the former forward applauded all sections of the crowd, relieved that his nightmare was finally over.

“I am glad Arsene has done that. That is what great clubs should do,” Ferguson remarked after the final clash with his great rival. “I don't bother about it, and I don't think Robin should bother about it either. That is the modern generation I am afraid.”

Wenger showed his class again when he labelled the home reception 'disappointing' and lamented the 'aggression' displayed towards their former striker. He had another unlikely ally in former teammate Bacary Sagna, the man who had fouled him for the first-half penalty.

“I was happy for him. He did a lot for our team. He was a top player and a top striker and he deserved it,” he later recalled. “Life is full of choices and he made the choice to leave and to play for United. I totally respected that and was happy for him. I was surprised because when you have top players you want to keep them at the club. I was surprised and sad but at the end of the day he was happy and I think we all felt it on the pitch. He played like he was in his early 20s and was outstanding. He ended up champion that year and I was fully pleased for him.”

Arsenal fans' anger was eased by the quick demise of United as Ferguson retired and Van Persie lasted just another two trophyless seasons, though they have yet to be crowned champions themselves in the 12 years that have followed.

As reigning FA Cup champions, United won't get a guard of honour this weekend. If they did, it would be worth giving Chido Obi-Martin his debut just to remind them who has won a top-flight title the most recently.