Sir Alex Ferguson: 'I would love Robin van Persie to score 37 goals this season'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that forward Robin van Persie can break his personal goal tally this season.

The 29-year-old found the target 37 times in all competitions for Arsenal in 2011-12, and has scored seven goals in eight matches for United this campaign.

"I would love that to happen," said Ferguson, when asked if it was possible that Van Persie could reach last season's tally this term.

"In my experience, and where we are at the moment, we need two strikers to get over 20 goals. If we get that, we definitely have a chance."

United are at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.