Robin van Persie has praised former Manchester United manager David Moyes following West Ham’s Europa Conference League victory over AZ Alkmaar.
The Hammers edged out the Dutch side over two legs to progress to next month’s final - their first major European final since 1976. Fiorentina await at the Fortuna Arena, with the Premier League outfit favourites to lift the trophy.
Van Persie played under Moyes during his underwhelming stint in the United hot seat. A poor 10 months at the club saw the Scotsman sacked but Van Persie still enjoyed a respectable goal return under his management, bagging 11 times in 18 Premier League games.
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Since his departure nine years ago, the 60-year-old struggled further at Real Sociedad and Sunderland but is enjoying a renaissance during his second spell at West Ham.
Ex-striker Van Persie believes his former coach deserves credit, reflecting on their time together at the Theatre of Dreams. He told BT Sport: "I’m really pleased for David Moyes. I worked under him for a year, he’s a fantastic person and a fantastic coach as well.
"It was difficult for him at Manchester United but I’m really pleased for him because he loves the game. He’s a really good coach.
"From his point of view, West Ham didn’t play a great match tonight (against AZ Alkmaar) but defensively they all defended 4-4-2 zonal, they all did their job really well. This is how Moyes planned the game, I’m sure. I’m just really happy for him. He deserves it."
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