TheSportsCampus

Sir Alex Ferguson could not hide his delight over his star signing, Robin Van Persie, even acknowledging his former arch rival Arsene Wenger's skill at draining Manchester United's coffers. The acquisition of Van Persie is more remarkable given the rivalry between the two clubs and indeed, in the past, their managers.

ESPN reports how Ferguson spoke to Arsene Wenger to pull the deal through. Describing their talk as 'amicable', Ferguson revealed he never thought such a move possible until Van Persie made clear his intention to leave Arsenal this summer. He said, 'We never thought we could get Van Persie ... When I read he had refused a new contract, that is when we acted. It has been a long haul.'

United seem to have to clinched the deal only after the managers sat down together to understand the situation. Ferguson stated Wenger could even 'run a poker school in Govan' in appreciation of the Frenchman's dealings.

Van Persie, who will wear the No. 20 shirt, might not be the last new face Old Trafford sees this summer with Ferguson not ruling out additions provided, one assumes, there is 'value' in the market.