Manchester United legend Gary Pallister says the deal for Robin van Persie is an example of the "genius" of manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Pally has likened the impact of the former Arsenal captain to Eric Cantona's influence.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "It was genius to get Cantona and it was an absolute coup to get Robin. He is the whole package, the complete player. He also has an edge to him on the pitch which you don't like when he is on the opposition side but it's great when he's your player.

"I was in a box at Old Trafford on Monday night against Villa with Bryan Robson and a few others. When he hit that second goal we just all stood up and applauded. It really was a wow moment.

"You think back to Eric's chip against Sunderland or his free-kick against Arsenal and it was one of those moments.

"I think back to playing against Dennis Bergkamp at Arsenal and Romario when he was at Barcelona and you just think 'how are you supposed to mark that?'

"They were touched by genius. They did the unexpected and put you on the wrong foot. You didn't know what they were going to do. Eric was like it as well and so is Robin van Persie. They are players who just take your breath away."