Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson encouraged by Robin van Persie's Dutch goals

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 29 March 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson says that he is encouraged by Robin van Persie's scoring form for the Netherlands ahead of their match against Sunderland tomorrow.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that striker Robin van Persie could open the floodgates against Sunderland due to his firing form for the Netherlands.

The 29-year-old found the back of the net three times for his country during their World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Estonia.

Despite his record for the Dutch national team, the former Arsenal hitman has only managed one goal in 11 appearances for United.

"[Van Persie scoring] was the most pleasing thing about the break for me actually," Ferguson said in a press conference. "He got the three goals for Holland.

"It's the same with all strikers. When they hit that little dry spell, they're hoping to get out of it as quickly as they can. Hopefully, those goals for Holland will help him to do that. His form has not changed, that's the most important thing, but the goals will certainly help and there's no question about that."

Van Persie has netted 23 goals for the North-West outfit so far in their campaign.