Van Persie continues to impress Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the striking abilities of Robin van Persie after the Dutchman's double steered Manchester United to a 2-1 Champions League win over CFR Cluj in Romania on Tuesday night.

Van Persie's second, four minutes after half-time, was the pick, a delicate left-footed finish to Wayne Rooney's cross.

It took Van Persie onto six goals for United and left Ferguson, a former striker himself, purring as he said: "The second goal was fantastic. It was a great ball from Wayne. I thought he had hit it too far in front of him. But the speed to get to the ball and his deftness of touch were fantastic."

Rooney also created Van Persie's first, before half-time, although the United boss conceded there was an element of luck about that effort, which looped off the former Arsenal man's shoulder.

Nevertheless, it was a very satisfying contribution from both men as they were named in a United starting line-up for the first time.

"The best quality both of them have is that they can turn a game," said Ferguson. "That is an important feature. It doesn't really matter if they have a personal combination, it is their ability to finish moves off, whether it is through (Tom) Cleverley, Nani or (Antonio) Valencia. We have a pair of really top players who can finish and change a game."

Rather than use the duo in an orthodox partnership, Ferguson slotted Rooney into the position just ahead of midfield, which he seemed to relish.

And the United boss is certainly not playing to anyone's tune for when Rooney and Van Persie will eventually be used in tandem, as was expected following the latter man's £24million arrival in August.

"There is always going to be an issue because everyone expects it to be a miracle combination," he said.

"The strength of our team now is definitely in the forward positions. We have good alternatives, with Wayne, Shinji (Kagawa), Van Persie, (Danny) Welbeck and (Javier) Hernandez."