Ferguson Hails Van Persie Signing

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he’s delighted with his strike options after the Red Devils agreed a deal with Arsenal frontman Robin Van Persie.

The 2011-12 Premiership runners-up are understood to have had a £24 million bid accepted by the Gunners, with the Dutchman to complete a medical and agree personal terms later in the day. Van Persie could be available on Monday’s league clash with Everton.

Ferguson said the signing gave him options reminiscent of those back in 1999 when United won the Uefa Champions League.

“If you go back to 1999 season and we had Dwight (Yorke) and Andy (Cole) and Teddy (Sheringham) and Ole Gunnar (Solskjaer) - the four best strikers in Europe - and we are getting back towards that now.

“We have got Chicharito, we have got Wayne, we have got Robin, we have got Danny Welbeck and we have got Kagawa. That is a fantastic combination of players. Hopefully I pick the right combinations.”

In particular, the partnership of Rooney and Van Persie had Ferguson excited.

“They are two fantastic players and it’s great to have the both of them,” Ferguson said.

“It’s great to have a player of Van Persie’s qualities coming into the squad. He is on his way up from London, he will have a medical later this afternoon and we hope that goes according to plan.”

Earlier on Thursday, United released a statement which read: “Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

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