Robin van Persie was delighted that a "special day" against his former club Arsenal ended in a 2-1 triumph for Manchester United.
Van Persie, who signed for United from Arsenal for £24 million in the
summer, opened the scoring at Old Trafford before Patrice Evra made sure
of the points in a comfortable win for the home side.
The Dutchman spent eight years with the Gunners and still has great affection for the club.
"I
think it speaks for itself. I played there eight years and had a
fantastic time there," he told Sky Sports 2. "I have respect for the
fans, the players, the manager and the whole club.
"It was a
special day, it was quite a game. I think we played well. We had a few
chances, we should have scored two or three more but in the end we're
happy with the three points which is all that matters."
Reflecting
on the triumph, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was not entirely
satisfied with the performance of his team against Arsenal, who had Jack
Wilshere sent off in the second half.
"It wasn't a close game,"
the Scot said. "I think it was a lack of urgency in the game throughout,
far too casual. It wasn't a usual Manchester United-Arsenal game. I
know there was a lot of bookings."
He did, however, reserve
special praise for Van Persie. "It was an ideal start for the Manchester
United cause and it was good for Robin [to score the first goal],"
Ferguson added. "I thought he was fantastic today. His movement, his
penetration was fantastic."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said the
fact it was Van Persie on the scoresheet was inconsequential. "We don't
care who scores the goals, we want to win the games," the Frenchman
said. "That doesn't matter."
