Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Robin van Persie has joined to play alongside Wayne Rooney and not to replace him.

Ferguson feels Roo and RVP can be as fearsome for United as Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were 13 years ago.

The Old Trafford chief said: "Van Persie is flexible because he can play in different positions.

"He is such a mobile player, there are great options with him. And Wayne can play behind and he can play up.

"Hernandez is the only one-position player and that is through the middle.

"Can Wayne and Robin play together? Yes, absolutely - no doubt about that.

"And Welbeck can play with them, there is no question about that."