Man. United complete swoop for Van Persie

Manchester United completed their swoop for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie yesterday after the Dutch star passed a medical and agreed personal terms on a four-year contract.

Van Persie’s transfer, which is believed to have cost United around £24 million has been completed in time for the forward to make his debut in his new team’s opening Premier League game of the season at Everton on Monday.

The 29-year-old’s signing is a significant coup for United boss Alex Ferguson after he persuaded Van Persie to snub an offer from Premier League champions Manchester City in a favour of a move to Old Trafford.

“Robin van Persie has completed his medical, agreed personal terms and signed for Manchester United on a four-year contract until June 2016,” a statement on United’s website confirmed.

Ferguson had been desperate to land Van Persie as he tries to wrestle the English crown back from City and he believes the former Feyenoord star’s arrival will be a massive boost to United’s title bid.

‘Outstanding ability’

“Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football,” he said.

“His talents need no introduction to our fans – he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.”

Van Persie has long been re-garded as one of the most talented forwards in Europe, but it was only in the last 18 months that he finally delivered on that vast potential.

Initially it seemed City or Italian champions Juventus would be his likely destination, but Ferguson’s powers of persuasion, and the lure of playing for a historic club like United, convinced the Dutchman to move to Old Trafford.

“The boy wanted to come. He turned down various clubs.

“If he hadn’t told Arsenal he wanted to go to Manchester United, the transfer wouldn’t have happened,” Ferguson added.

Van Persie described the chance to play for United as an “honour” and he has already set his sights on emulating the achievements of club legends like Eric Cantona, George Best and Denis Law.

“I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game,” Van Persie said.

“I can’t wait to get started.”