Man United’s Sir Alex Ferguson likens Robin van Persie to Eric Cantona

Sir Alex Ferguson has likened Robin van Persie to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona after the Dutch striker’s stunning start to his Old Trafford career.

The 29-year-old has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances for the Red Devils after completing a £24m move from Arsenal in the summer.

Van Persie’s performances have helped United build a four-point lead over defending champions Manchester City ahead of their Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United.

Ferguson has managed a number of brilliant individual players during his reign at Old Trafford, including the likes of Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo, and the United boss believes Van Persie can emulate the Frenchman.

“I reckon here at Manchester United we got our Christmas present early – right at the start of the season in fact, when Robin van Persie arrived at Old Trafford,” Ferguson told United Review.

“I am reluctant to subscribe to the cult of an individual because I firmly believe that the essence of a successful football team depends on team-work, and neither are we a one-man team, but sometimes there really is a situation where you are lucky enough to find the last piece of the jigsaw.

“We did it when we brought Eric Cantona to Old Trafford where he proved to be the right player at the right club at the right time.

“He became the catalyst and springboard for our surge to success. It doesn’t have to be signing someone for a record fee; Eric was in fact a snip at a million.

“Cristiano Ronaldo was not a record buy either but he certainly made a difference as he prospered with us to the extent that he came to be regarded by a lot of people as the world’s best player.”