Robin van Persie to make Manchester United debut at Everton, says Sir Alex Ferguson, as Arsenal deal agreed

Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to gamble on the match fitness of Robin van Persie by handing the £22 million forward his Manchester United debut against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday evening. Van Persie, who began the first stage of a medical in Manchester on Thursday afternoon, is expected to rubber-stamp his transfer from Arsenal on Friday after agreeing a four-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, worth £200,000 a week at Old Trafford. And despite Van Persie being limited to less than 45 minutes of football this pre-season after missing Arsenal’s tour of the Far East, Ferguson has admitted that the 29 year-old is on course to face Everton should his medical be successfully negotiated on Friday. “Sometimes medicals take a little longer and it may carry on until Friday,” Ferguson said. “But I’m sure he [Van Persie] will be available for Monday’s game.” But having seen off competition from Manchester City and Juventus, as well as overcoming initial resistance from Arsenal, to sign Van Persie, Ferguson has admitted his delight at luring last season’s double Footballer of the Year and Premier League top goalscorer to Old Trafford. And the Scot believes that, with Van Persie alongside Javier Hernández, Wayne Rooney and youngster Danny Welbeck, United now possess their most potent strike force since the Treble-winning campaign of 1999. Ferguson said he was “delighted” with the Van Persie deal. “He’s not signed yet, but a fee has been agreed and hopefully the medical goes according to plan. “Rooney and Van Persie are two fantastic players and it’s great to have both of them. What it gives us is more strength and combinations up front. Source :- Telegraph