Sir Alex Ferguson expects warm Robin van Persie reception

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Robin van Persie's time at Arsenal warrants him a warm reception when he faces his former club for the first time on Saturday.

The Dutchman's current employers Manchester United welcome the Gunners to Old Trafford this weekend, having prised him away from the Emirates Stadium in a £20m deal this summer.

Rather than be greeted with a chorus of boos over his controversial departure, Ferguson expects that Van Persie's tally of 132 Arsenal goals has earned him the respect of the travelling Gunners fans.

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

"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."

Van Persie has scored seven goals in nine Premier League appearances for the Red Devils this season.