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Robin van Persie’s son Shaqueel could be about to spark another tug of war between United and City.

The seven-year-old – who was also coveted by Arsenal when he was as young as five – is currently playing with both Manchester clubs.

Van Persie senior was at the centre of a scramble between the red and blue halves of the city when leaving the Emirates in 2012.

United won the race on that occasion, with Sir Alex Ferguson convincing the Dutchman to make a £24m move to Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old inspired the club’s 20th title success – scoring 30 goals in a stunning campaign to prompt then City manager Roberto Mancini to describe him as ‘the difference’.

Shaqueel has a long way to go before he can start thinking about a professional career – but his father believes he is a natural.

"He shares my passion of being involved with loads of sports," said Van Persie. "His timing is incredible

"He’s very competitive. He plays for his local team with his friends and he got scouted.

"Now he’s playing for both Manchester United and for City up until an age where maybe in a year of so he has to make his mind up and make a decision about where he wants to play.

"What I’m mostly happy about is that he’s doing really well at school as well, so it is a perfect combination. Better than me.

"I always used to tell him that daddy was really good at school as well. When he’s about 16 or 17 I will tell him the real story about it, but not for now. "

United interim manager Ryan Giggs gave fans a glimpse of two of the club’s future stars on Tuesday night when handing starts to James Wilson and Tom Lawrence.

But 18-year-old Wilson, who scored twice on his debut against Hull should have a good 10 years before he has to start looking over his shoulder at Shaqueel.

Robin van Persie was speaking on The Clare Balding Show, to see the full interview tune in to BT Sport 1 at 8pm tonight