Sunday 9 December 2012 13:13, UK
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he was always confident of landing striker Robin van Persie ahead of their city rivals in the summer.
Van Persie has reciprocated the love, calling Ferguson 'different class' for his speeches, which the Dutch ace feels give the squad a lift. "I have to thank the manager for his speeches and the way he makes us ready for games. It's different class. Those speeches are very important for every single one of us," he said. "The things he says and when he says them - before, during, or after a game - is all very direct. And it's all spot-on and honest. I love that because it is the Dutch way to be straight. "The things the manager says are a big influence on us - and especially for me. He always says the right things at the right moment."
