The former Red Devils goalkeeper revealed he spoke to their £24m signing before he joined the club, as the Dutch striker asked for his advice on whether to join United or Juventus.

Robin Van Persie got advice before leaving Arsenal

Former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has revealed the role he played in helping to convince Robin van Persie to join the Old Trafford outfit for £24 million this summer.

Since signing for the club, Van Persie has made an immediate impact for the Red Devils by scoring four goals in three Premier League games, including a hat-trick against Southampton to rescue three points from a losing position for his new team.

However, former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has revealed that it was no easy decision for Van Persie to decide what club he wanted to join. Van der Sar spoke to the 29-year-old ex-Arsenal skipper for almost an hour discussing what life at Manchester United was like.

He told The Telegraph: “He called me up and said other clubs were in for him, but because I played for two of them, United and Juventus, he wanted to hear my thoughts about them.

“So we spoke for five minutes about Juventus and 55 minutes about United. He wanted to know how good United were, what he would find there, how the players are, what Ferguson is like, how they train, how the system works.

“He has shown his quality already. I read a statement from Ryan Giggs saying that United have signed good players and good talent before, but this one [Van Persie] has everything.

“He has the whole package already, but that doesn’t always mean it will work of course. Look at Fernando Torres at Chelsea. His first year was difficult, but I think the signs with Robin are good, though.”

With the top two goalscorers from last season now playing for the Red Devils, Van der Sar has insisted that Sir Alex will now be happy with his striking options, after losing the title on goal difference last season to local rivals Manchester City.

Van der Sar stated: “Can Van Persie play with Rooney? I think that’s why the manager bought him. They obviously won’t play every game, but I think Sir Alex is quite happy with the firepower he has upfront.

“United lost the league by a couple of goals last season and I don’t think the manager wants to see that happen again.”

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