Youssouf Hersi to face former colleague Robin van Persie in Man United vs A-League All Stars Match

Robin van Persie will line up against one of his former team-mates in Sydney when Manchester United face the A-League All Stars on Saturday 20 July.

Youssouf Hersi* played alongside the Reds striker almost a decade ago, in the Dutch Under-21 side. The former Ajax, Vitesse Arnhem and Twente midfielder currently plies his trade for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s national league and has been selected by fans and an expert panel to be part of an inaugrual All Stars team.

Sadly, former Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero now looks certain to miss the game, as does Japanese star Shinji Ono.

But Hersi is looking forward to testing himself against the Barclays Premier League champions and catching up with his former team-mate, Robin van Persie.

“It’s a big game and a big game for soccer here in Australia,” he said. “Manchester United is a big team and I am looking forward to playing against them.

“I played with Robin in the Dutch U-21 side but now he is a big player for one of the world’s biggest clubs. I also know of Alexander Buttner.

“If we have time I’ll show them the sights of Sydney. At least I’ll have someone to speak Dutch to when they are here!”

Hersi is one of seven players to have been confirmed for the All Stars game, including former Blackburn Rovers star Brett Emerton.

Source: ManUtd.com

*Youssouf Hersi was born in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.