Robin van Persie: the best decision Fergie has made till date?

Manchester United sit atop the EPL table comfortably and looking down on the other 19 teams in the division, thanks largely to the influential and sometimes breathtaking displays of a certain Dutchman, Robin Van Persie.

It was like tales by moonlight when it was announced five months ago that RVP had agreed to join Manchester United from arch-rivals Arsenal. Difficult as it was to believe, it was the reality of things. Another master-stroke by Sir Alex Ferguson, the evergreen warlord of the Red Army.

Arsenal fans ranted and raved, but that did not stop their beloved captain from following his heart. At his formal presentation as an MUFC player, he declared that the ‘little boy’ in him told him to join the 19-time English Champions, even though noisy neighbours, Manchester City offered more money. It has been the best decision of his career yet, and he has since not regretted it.

There have been master class signings – Eric Cantona, the undisputed king of the Theatre of Dreams and Cristiano Ronaldo, who Fergie transformed into the best player on the planet, but the RvP deal might just top them all. Sir Alex was enraged not only by the way Manchester United threw away the title last time out, but that it was won by goal difference.

He made his move to buy an established world class footballer to help out with the attacking frailties (even though Wayne Rooney came up with 27 league goals last season). English superstar Rooney has been about the only one carrying the burden of the United attack on his broad shoulders, until a certain little pea was unearthed in Mexico. Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez took some of the weight off Wazza (Rooney), but Fergie wasn’t satisfied.

The record buy in MUFC history, Dimitar Berbatov, became a bit part player and had to be shipped off, just as 2001 Ballon d’Or winner, Michael Owen was released. Danny Welbeck flattered to deceive, although we can excuse his immaturity, because he is still learning the ropes. A tested and top quality forward had to be brought in to make the difference, and that’s exactly what Robin van Persie has done this season.

From his first goal v Fulham to his hat-trick at St Mary’s, to the last minute winner against Manchester City, the Dutchman has shown the world what he is capable of. His 20 goals this season includes 16 EPL strikes, which puts him on top of the goalscorers’ chart.

The notion that he depends too much on his left foot is fast becoming an old fable, as his last 3 goals for the Red Devils have been struck with his seemingly weaker right foot. The goal on Saturday against West Ham was blasted home with his right foot, and that, yet again, was a vital one as it ensured that Manchester United still remained in the F.A Cup; a trophy SAF so desperately wants to hoist this season. It has been 9 seasons since the 3-time European champions were crowned champions of the world’s oldest and most prestigious cup competition.

The decision to bring in RVP to the MUFC fold will go down as one of the best in sporting history. The way the marriage has gone thus far, it will continue to blossom and yield the right results.

It will be the most fantastic player purchase ever if he (Van Persie) leads the team past Real Madrid in the eagerly awaited UCL Round of 16 match up.