Sir Alex Ferguson backing Robin van Persie to end drought against Manchester City

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Robin van Persie to end his goal drought in the derby against City on Monday night.

The forward did net the late winner in the corresponding derby fixture at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the campaign and Ferguson said he could draw on his own experience as a player in Scotland to offer advice when it comes to taking chances. "I didn't have dry spells (as a striker)!" Ferguson joked. "I remember I had a spell at the start of one season when I had a little knee injury and didn't score until October and I still ended up with 30-odd goals! "You have to get through that period and not lose your faith and belief in yourself. My dad always used to say make sure you batter the ball when you're in there, don't tap it or try and sidefoot the ball in the net, batter it! "That's what I always tell strikers - when you get in the position make sure you hit it. If the goalkeeper saves it, you can say 'what a great save'. But if you try to sidefoot it in and the keeper just catches it easily, you'll get criticised for that. "It's just being sensible and realistic. Robin's shot last week could have come off any defender because it was hit so well and that's the right thing to do."