Robin Van Persie: Ranking His 5 Best Games for Manchester United so Far

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When Robin van Persie made the highly controversial move from North London to the red half of Manchester this past summer, there were some who doubted he'd be able to replicate the numbers from his stunning final season at Arsenal.

With the Dutch hitman having already scored 10 goals in 13 games for Manchester United, he may be on pace to even outdo his previous prolific form.

As has already been noted by just about every pundit and non-Red Devil around the globe, £24 million is a lot of money to spend on a 29-year-old.

But when that same 29-year-old gives a team such an immeasurable boost with his consistent quality, you can be sure Sir Alex Ferguson has no regrets whatsoever in regards to the transfer.

Here are van Persie's five best performances for United so far.

(All stats courtesy of WhoScored.com).

5. Arsenal (h)

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Score: 2-1

Goals: 1

Pass Success: 87%

Rating: 8.18

All eyes were on Robin van Persie this past Saturday when his previous club, Arsenal, made the trip to Old Trafford.

With only three minutes on the clock, it didn't take long for the Gunners' past hero to find the back of the net with a neat finish following a Thomas Vermaelen slip.

His passing was clinical and off-the-ball movement superb. He could have scored a hat-trick in truth, but that shouldn't take away from what was truly an excellent performance.

4. Stoke City (h)

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Score: 4-2

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Pass Success: 86%

Rating: 8.62

Despite Manchester United's defensive woes being evident in their win over Stoke City last month, Robin van Persie and Co. were irresistable going forward.

The attacking trio of van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck combined to devastating effect, with all three players getting on the scoresheet and notching an assist.

The Dutchman's goal was a well-taken, curling effort into the far corner of Asmir Begovic's net.

3. CFR Cluj (a)

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Score: 2-1

Goals: 2

Pass Success: 94%

Rating: 9.69

In what could have potentially proved a tricky European away tie for United, two van Persie goals allowed his team to neatly maneuver their way to victory past Romanian side CFR Cluj.

His first was a tad lucky, as a swinging cross bounced up of his shoulder to loop into the net. His second was pure van Nistelrooy, though, as a decisive through ball from Rooney was swiftly flicked into the net.

Although this was not the Red Devils' most exciting game of the season so far, the team dominated, backed by the excellent passing and movement of van Persie and Rooney.

2. Southampton (a)

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Score: 3-2

Goals: 3

Pass Success: 78%

Rating: 9.17

It didn't take long for van Persie to experience the thrill of a late Manchester United comeback, as the Dutchman took centre stage to break the Saints' hearts early in September.

His first goal was a sublime chest and volley, his second a scrappy tap-in, his third—in stoppage time—was a beautiful swiveling header to send the away fans into raptures.

It was only a lazy penalty miss that prevents this performance from being No. 1.

1. Chelsea (a)

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Score: 3-2

Goals: 1

Pass Success: 74%

Rating: 8.67

Though the stat line may not make for as impressive reading as other games, Robin van Persie's match-winning performance at Stamford Bridge last month was his best in a United shirt.

It was his shot that cannoned in off David Luiz's back to open the scoring, his clinical strike past Petr Cech to double the lead and his superb pass through to Ashley Young, who was then tripped by Branislav Ivanovic to force the Blues to play with 10 men.

Though many noted referee Mark Clattenburg's mistakes (or mistake—in later sending off Fernando Torres), it was van Persie who played the biggest part in his team's crucial victory.

 

What do you think have been Robin van Persie's best games for United so far? In what order?

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