Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is enjoying playing for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. When he quit Arsenal in a £24million deal last summer, Van Persie cited the chance to work with Ferguson as one of the major attractions.

He has not been left disappointed.

"The way he gets us ready for the games is different class," said Van Persie.

"Those speeches are very important for every single one of us. The things he says, when he says them, before the match, during the match and after it.

"It is very direct. It is all spot on and very honest.

"I love that. We Dutch people like to be straight and honest and he tells you how it is.

"If it is good, it is good. If it is not good enough he will tell you, so you have to improve straight away.

"That is what I like. No one can play 10 games and play well in all 10. You always have a couple of games where it is not going so well. You have to deal with that."