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The 2011-12 Premier league season ended in a dramatic fashion. The noisy neighbours got even noisier for the red half of Manchester. United thought they had the title in the bag after defeating Sunderland, but Sergio Aguero’s last minute heroics saw City clinch the title on goal difference. It was the most exciting end to any Premier League season, which ensured Manchester turned blue in the 94th minute of the last home game for City, at the Etihad Stadium.
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United were sorely disappointed and Fergie decided to go big in the transfer market. After prolonged negotiations, United got the then gunners’ captain Robin Van Persie to lead their attack for next season.
Having set his sights on the winner’s medal that has eluded him for so long, Van Persie never looked back after arriving at the Theatre of Dreams.
On his other transfer options, he remarked: “I always listen to the little boy inside of me in these situations – when you have to make the harder decisions in life. What does he want? That boy was screaming for Man United.”
His first appearance came as a substitute for Danny Welback against Everton, in a losing cause. He scored his first goal for United in a 3-2 victory over Fulham. Such was the impact of the forward, that the gaffer dropped Wayne Rooney to the bench. After Rooney suffered a severe gash to his right leg, which kept him out for a better part of 4 weeks, Van Persie made the Centre Forward position his. He scored his first hat-trick against the Saints, helping United come back from a 1-2 deficit. Van Persie scored the winning penalty at Anfield, securing “The battle of the Reds” for United. He helped United conquer the Bridge after 10 years, scoring the second goal of the match. He was like poacher in front of the goal, just waiting for someone to deliver a long ball or an assist. Even after Rooney returned, Fergie started fielding him in more a midfield role, rather than his preferred position. The Dutchman was in terrific form, leading United to victory after victory. He had began to fulfil his destiny. This season was all about Robin Van Persie.
But it was the late winner against City that made Van Persie a cult figure among the United faithful. It was the Dutchman’s first Manchester derby. Wayne Rooney gave the visitors the lead at Etihad, scoring a brace. After half time, the home team levelled the score with strikes from Yaya Toure and Zabaleta. United got a free kick in extra time, which the Dutchman converted after a minor deflection, sealing his first derby win with a 3-2 victory. United had conquered fortress Eithad, courtesy of the Dutchman’s brilliance.
He was also brilliant in Europe which saw United top their group stages. However, he had a dry spell late in the season which saw him go barren in his last 10 appearances. It saw him miss sitters against Madrid in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, where he failed to shine.
Sir Alex however stood by his £24 million man stating, “The goals will come, all strikers have little dry spells. You always hope it ends quickly, it’s just part of being a striker.”
The Dutchman delivered in the faith of his manager by breaking his barren spell after scoring against Stroke. After scoring, he ran straight to the touchline to hug Sir Alex, to thank him for putting his faith in him.
He grabbed 30 goals for United (24 in the league), combined with 15 assists for United. This led to him winning the Premier League Golden Boot for two consecutive seasons. Supporters of Manchester United voted him as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for the 2012–13 season. It was a phenomenal achievement for him in his debut season for United.
His goal against Aston Villa at Old Trafford was voted as Manchester United’s goal of the season. Rooney lifted the ball for a 50 yard pass over to Van Persie, who netted it with a sublime effort past Brad Guzan.
Ferguson even compared his impact to that of Eric Cantona when he arrived on the scene in 1994.
The Dutchman has been one of the main reasons for United securing the perfect farewell gift for Sir Alex.
Just like him carrying the gunners’ on his shoulders to achieve Champions League qualification the previous season, he did the same for the Red Devils this season (He was the reason Manchester United won the title).
“I am very happy, but it is weird. I had to wait so long for my first title. It is a great feeling,” Van Persie said.
After winning his first League title, he is hungrier for more success. Considering his current form, it will not be long before adds more silverware to his and the club’s trophy cabinet.
