Ferguson pays tribute to strikeforce

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Robin van Persie's arrival has put his strikeforce on a par with some of the best he has put together.

Van Persie has linked well with his fellow forwards Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck and Ferguson feels they warrant comparison with his 1999-2000 quartet of Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who helped United muster 97 league goals.

Ferguson said: "That was a phenomenal strikeforce. Every time they came on the pitch they made contributions. At the moment with the present squad, and the strikers we have available, I can see similarities in terms of goal threat. I am not saying we are going to get to 90-odd goals but we are providing a good goal threat."

Ferguson expects Van Persie to receive a good reception from visiting supporters as United host Arsenal in Saturday's Barclays Premier League lunchtime kick-off.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has already said he feels the player deserves that after eight years in north London, culminating with last season's outstanding 37-goal campaign.

Ferguson said: "I think Arsene has laid his seed for his supporters in terms of respecting him.

"I think, if you think about all the former players who have come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause.

"I don't think he'll have a problem tomorrow. I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them and I think that will be nice."