Fergie: Van Persie was never interested in City move

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson jeered cross-town rivals ahead of the much-anticipated Manchester Derby by saying Robin Van Persie was never seriously considering the prospect of joining City.

The Red Devils and the Citizens entered the fray for Van Persie’s signature, after the striker decided to leave Emirates stadium. Man City manager Roberto Mancini said United’s capture of the Dutch striker has played the crucial role in the title race this season. Should City managed to sign the player, things would have weighted in their favour.

However Sit Alex Ferguson made a mockery of Mancini, saying Van Persie was never interested in moving to Etihad. He said: “It’s hypothetical, he was never going to City. He’s been fantastic for us, a really good footbal. We needed a bit of maturity up front and he’s been terrific. The improvement is not just through Robin but even when he doesn’t score he’s a fantastic footballer.”