Robin van Persie: His goals could win Man Utd the title - Redknapp

 

Robin van Persie could score the goals that will win Manchester United the Premier League title, according to ex-Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

And Reds' midfielder Michael Carrick hopes the club can repeat the treble-winning feat of 1999 with Van Persie.

Van Persie statistics

Arsenal agreed to sell their talismanic 29-year-old Netherlands international striker on Wednesday in a £24m deal.

Redknapp told BBC Sport: "I could see Manchester United winning the league next year, now they've got Van Persie."

The former Spurs manager, who left his job in June, added: "He could be the difference. He really is a great signing."

Carrick added: "If it goes through then it's great news. We welcome him, he had a terrific season last year. He'll just strengthen our squad even more.

Michael Carrick

Carrick welcomes Van Persie

"The manager has gone on record as saying that the team in '99, because of the four forwards they had, was one of the most exciting and one of his happiest times. So hopefully we can repeat something like that.

"It's a huge boost. He's a terrific world class player and it's great to bring in players of that ability and give everyone a boost."

Van Persie scored 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season, including two against United.

He was entering the final season of his contract at Emirates Stadium and stated earlier this summer that he did not want a renewal.

Redknapp predicted success for Van Persie - who joined Arsenal as a 20-year-old in 2004 for £2.75m - at Old Trafford, and sounded an ominous warning to other Premier League sides.

Reaction on Twitter

  • Arsenal supporter and TV host Piers Morgan: "Funny, I really thought @Persie_Official was different. But he turned out to be just another mercenary."
  • Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand: "Tears for Piers!"
  • Reading striker and BBC Sport pundit Jason Roberts: "Is it RVP's fault? Has he just decided to go to a club that is going to genuinely challenge for titles..."
  • Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford: "@Persie_Official Looking forward to seeing you in a United shirt! Great move!"
  • England coach and ex-Manchester United full-back Gary Neville: "Good result, thought we played some good stuff and RVP signs for United!"
  • Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan: "The Arsenal academy system is working well for the north west..."

"If he performs like he did last year then him and Rooney will just be an incredible partnership," Redknapp said.

"He's a special player and he's a fantastic signing for Manchester United."

Former England manager Graham Taylor praised Sir Alex Ferguson for securing his new frontman, just days after the deal had appeared to have hit a snag.

"Ferguson's done it again," he said. "This gives United an edge in the title race. If Robin van Persie performs like he has done for Arsenal he's going to be a great addition."

Former United attacking midfielder Lou Macari told BBC Sport that the multi-million pound signing of a striker nearing 30 years of age sends a signal to other title contenders.

"For Ferguson to go out and spend £24m with the wages involved is a real sign of intent from the club.

"They've never done that before on a player so old. They did it before on Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, but they were young, up and coming players.

"Now they've signed him I'm confident they can go on and win the title."

Robin van Persie

Manchester United agree a fee to sign Arsenal's Robin van Persie