Manchester United manager David Moyes has rejected claims by Mark Lawrenson that Robin van Persie has asked to leave Old Trafford.
Pundit and former Liverpool player Lawrenson made his observation in an interview on an Irish radio stadium on Friday.
Given Lawrenson knows Moyes through a connection at Preston, the comments were noteworthy, even if United privately distanced themselves from them.
However, offered the opportunity to respond following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle, when Van Persie returned from a groin injury after a four-match absence, Moyes did not mince his words.
"That is absolute nonsense," said Moyes.
"I don't know what harder or tougher word I could say but that's as good as I've got."