Man Utd boss Ferguson: I considered buying Arsenal's Van Persie

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Arsenal beat him for Robin van Persie.

Ferguson revealed United watched Van Persie before he signed for Arsenal and developed into one of the world’s best strikers.

Ferguson said: “Van Persie played with the Feyenoord reserve team, way back, and we didn’t move for him.

“I think he was sent off that day – either sent off or he walked off, I can’t remember. But we sort of left it alone. The disciplinary issue didn’t put us off. I think Arsenal were maybe closer to the situation than we were at the time.”

If Ferguson’s recollection is shrouded by the mists of time, his assessment of the 28-year-old Dutchman is crystal clear.

“He’s turned out to be a fantastic player,” Ferguson said. “Top teams usually have a player who can make a difference and Van Persie can. You look at Messi at Barcelona, Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Silva at City and for many years, Drogba at Chelsea. It’s a fact.

“Van Persie’s form and his goal-scoring have been fantastic. We have to hope he’s not at his best against us.”