Van Persie was never going to Man City, insists Man United boss Ferguson
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Robin van Persie was never close to joining Manchester City last summer
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Robin van Persie was never close to joining Manchester City last summer ahead of his eventual transfer to Manchester United.
The Netherlands striker moved to the Red Devils in a £24m deal from Arsenal in August, amid reported interest from Roberto Mancini’s side.
Van Persie, 29, has gone on to score 23 goals in his first season at Manchester United – and Ferguson insists the Dutchman was not considering a move to the Eithad Stadium
“It’s hypothetical, he was never going to City,” said Ferguson ahead of Monday’s derby showdown with City at Old trafford.
“He’s been fantastic for us, a really good footballer. We needed a bit of maturity up front and he’s been terrific.
“The improvement is not just through Robin but even when he doesn’t score he’s a fantastic footballer.”
Ferguson’s comments come after City boss Mancini claimed that missed signings in last summer’s transfer window have cost his side the title this season.
“We would probably be at the top… probably also in a Champions League quarter-final,” said Mancini.
“We had a chance to get three or four players that would have improved our team but now it is finished with.”
