Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on the “magnificent” Robin Van Persie following his decisive hat-trick in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Southampton but labelled Paul Scholes the man-of-the-match.
Van Persie scored all three United goals in the thrilling victory, where the Red Devils had trailed 2-1 with four minutes of normal time to play.
The Dutchman had spurned a wonderful chance to level on 69 minutes, when his poor penalty was easily saved by Saints keeper Kelvin Davis but he made up for the error with a dramatic late double.
Ferguson was delighted with Van Persie’s impact but said Paul Scholes changed the game, following his introduction on 61 minutes, with the Dutchman agreeing.
“His first goal was magnificent - the control and then to bury it. It was a really good goal,” said Ferguson about Van Persie. “His header was excellent too, but he has been a terrific player for us.”
Ferguson added: “We didn’t start playing until Paul Scholes came on the pitch, to be honest. I thought he changed the game right around… Paul Scholes came on and brought composure, a consistency of passing and made the difference.”
Van Persie told reporters: “It was a good feeling afterwards. “But I’m very disappointed with the penalty. When that happens at 2-1 down, you can’t take a penalty like that. Something went wrong big time.
“I have to say a big thank you to Paul Scholes. Every single pass he hit was the right one. It was unbelievable. He is man of the match for me.”