Robin van Persie is the textbook centre-forward, according to Manchester United team-mate Nemanja Vidic.

The Dutchman came off the bench to net a sublime equaliser in stoppage time against West Ham as United salvaged a 2-2 draw from a thrilling FA Cup third-round tie at Upton Park.

It was Van Persie’s 20th goal since joining from Arsenal in a £24million summer deal, converting a fine crossfield pass from fellow substitute Ryan Giggs after ghosting into the right side of the West Ham penalty area to force a replay.

Vidic hopes Van Persie can maintain his high standards as United chase another Premier League title and European glory.

“His touch is magnificent and his finishing is top class,” Vidic said. “It is movement from the book, touch from the book, goal from the book.

“It is something they can show to kids, how to move and finish in the last third. He was magnificent for us, we just hope he is going to be in the same form in the end.”

Despite being rescued by Van Persie’s moment of inspiration, Vidic accepts the team must tighten up at the back.

“We always know that on set-pieces they (West Ham) are a tough team to play against and they scored two against us from crosses,” the centre-back said.

“They scored from the second ball which we should look at again, and we are definitely disappointed. We have the height in the team, we should deal better with that, but most important is that we managed to stay in the game.”