ALEX FERGUSON SAYS the signing of Robin van Persie will see Manchester United possess Europe’s best forward line.
Dutchman van Persie is expected to arrive in Manchester later to agree personal terms and undergo a medical with United after they agreed a fee of £24million with Arsenal.
Ferguson dismissed suggestions he would have a selection headache following Van Persie’s arrival, instead drawing comparisons between his 2012/13 team and the attacking line-up which fired United to their 1998/99 treble.
He told reporters: “Rooney and Van Persie are two fantastic players and it’s great to have both of them. What it gives us is more strength and combinations up front. Going back to the 1999 season, we had Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solskjaer, the four best strikers in Europe.
“We’re getting towards that now with Wayne, Robin, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck. It’s a fantastic collection of players. I just hope I pick the right combinations. It’s great to have a player of van Persie’s quality to come into the squad as it is. I’m really pleased.”
Ferguson said he expects Van Persie to be available for United’s Premier League opener away to Everton on Monday.
“We are delighted with that (the Van Persie deal) of course,” he said. ”He’s not signed yet, but a fee has been agreed. He’s on his way up from London and will have a medical later this (Wednesday) afternoon. Hopefully that goes according to plan. His agent is also in discussion with David Gill. Hopefully all these things will be tied up by the end of the day.
“But sometimes medicals take a little longer and it may carry on until tomorrow. But I’m sure he will be available for Monday’s game.”
