Manchester United skipper Patrice Evra hailed the impact of Robin van Persie after they both struck in victory over Arsenal. The former Arsenal captain now has 10 goals to his name this season and the comparisons with the great and the good of United folklore have started already.

Evra said: "Everyone knows what a great player he was at Arsenal, but it is never easy to play against your old team-mates.

"People can now see that Robin is strong mentally. He seems like he has played for us for many years and he reminds me of Ruud van Nistelrooy. I hope he can keep going because he can be one of the best, just like Ruud.

"I played with Ruud when I signed for United and I remember what a great player he was. They are both Dutch but it's more than that. They have the same class and touch when you pass the ball to them.

"(Robin) has started so well and I just hope he can keep going because, at United, you have to do that in every game."