Fulham manager Martin Jol has claimed that Robin van Persie will guide Manchester United to the Premier League title this season.

The Dutch striker has become a key player for United since his summer arrival from Arsenal, scoring a total of 22 goals as his employers have opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the table with 13 matches remaining.

With those statistics in mind, Jol has compared Van Persie to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has won eight league titles with five different clubs.

"Van Persie is the main man," said Jol. "He sets them up with little flicks and combination football and he also scores the most goals.

"He scores over 30 goals a season and will be top scorer again, as he was last year. He is like Zlatan. Wherever he goes, they will be champions. Van Persie has that quality."

Jol was speaking after his side had been defeated 1-0 by United on Saturday evening.