Rio: RvP Deal Is A Major Boost

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United’s pending capture of Dutch ace Robin van Persie will give other Barclays Premier League managers plenty of headaches in 2012/13.

The current PFA and Football Writers’ Player of the Year, van Persie netted 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season. His arrival at Old Trafford – pending personal terms being agreed and a successful medical – has been met with wild enthusiasm by Manchester United supporters, although Ferdinand says it’s a sentiment that won’t be shared by opposition bosses.

“It gives the manager so many different options up front,” Ferdinand told ManUtd.com at a launch for the club’s new partnership with online gaming and betting partner, bwin. “On a weekend, I’m not too sure what other managers will be thinking in terms of how they prepare to play against Manchester United and the attacking options we’ve got.

“It’s an exciting deal. This summer everyone’s been waiting and looking forward to new players coming through the doors and there can’t be many bigger than Robin van Persie.

“He had a great season last year with Arsenal. He scored 37 goals, was their player of the year, their captain. For us to take him and bring him here is fantastic news. I’m sure our fans are jumping for joy.”

Despite van Persie’s significant credentials, eyebrows have been raised in some quarters by Sir Alex Ferguson’s desire to bring the 29-year-old to Old Trafford. Some have questioned the Dutchman’s age, others the rumoured fee, others still how he will fit into a squad already packed with attacking options.

“If you’re buying class then your arms are always open to take somebody like that,” Ferdinand said. “His signing is going to enhance the club. When a top player comes into the club it gives the club a real injection.

“Everybody will get a boost. Players will want to impress him, he’ll want to impress other players... players in the position he’s coming into will think they’ll have to up their game to ensure they play well and stay in the squad.

“That sort of competition’s healthy for the squad and for us to grow as a team we need to challenge people. That’s what this will do.”