Van Persie: More Than Three Points

Robin van Persie says Manchester United earned more than just three points in the victory over West Ham on Saturday.

Following last weekend’s loss at Leicester City after twice being ahead by two goals, the Dutch striker says it was “absolutely vital” that the Reds claimed a win over the Hammers.

Wayne Rooney put his side ahead after just five minutes with van Persie doubling the advantage on 22 minutes. The visitors pulled a goal back before the break and following Rooney’s dismissal after the break, United were forced to hang on for the victory.

The result moved Louis van Gaal’s men up to seventh in the table with van Persie hoping the win can spur the Reds on now.

“I think this goes even further than three points,” Robin told MUTV. “It was absolutely vital to get the three points for everyone’s belief and the fans’ belief. They were right behind us and were absolutely great.

“I thought we played really well in the first half but in the second it was a completely different game because of the red card. At times it was a bit nerve-wracking but we did ever so well and everyone fought really hard.

“It was a bit frustrating to concede a goal when we did because in that period in the game the only way they looked like scoring was from a set-piece and it happened, just before half-time. That was a bad moment for us but I think we did really in the end to win this game. For everyone involved with Manchester United I think this is about more than just the three points.”

Van Persie's strike, which turned out to be the winning one, was his 50th United goal in 81 games. The Dutchman is pleased with his return but is always looking to do better.

“It’s an okay stat!” he laughed when asked about the milestone. “I would like to increase it a bit more - you always want to do better and improve, but if you play 81 games and score 50 goals it’s a good rate.”