Robin Breaks Record

Robin van Persie's penalty at Arsenal was his 25th goal in the Barclays Premier League this season following his summer arrival at Old Trafford.

Remarkably, it means the Holland international has scored more league goals in his first campaign at United than any other player has previously posted in the club's history.

The record was previously held by Brian McClair, who hit 24 in 40 league matches back in 1987/88 – one more than Denis Law (1962/63) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001/02) managed.

Others with notable first seasons in terms of goalscoring include Enoch West (19 in 1910/11), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (18 in 1996/97) and Dwight Yorke (18 in 1998/99).

However, van Persie has an incredibly tough task to beat van Nistelrooy's overall goal record in his first season. His fellow Dutchman bagged 36 in all competitions, seven ahead of the current no.20.

Instant impact

Top goalscorers in first season (League/All comps):

Robin van Persie:
32 (3) / 25 - 37 (8) / 29

Brian McClair:
40 / 24 - 48 / 31

Denis Law:
38 / 23 - 44 / 29

Ruud van Nistelrooy:
29 (3) / 23 - 44 (5) / 36