Robin van Persie would have "preferred" Sir Alex Ferguson stay

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has admitted that he would have liked former manager Sir Alex Ferguson to stay at the club longer.

The Scot retired after 26 year at the helm of the Red Devils following their 13th Premier League title win and has been replaced by David Moyes.

Van Persie told reporters: "I'd have preferred it if he'd stayed a few more years, but I understand his decision.

"I'm even prouder that I could work under him for a year. I could see he was a legendary man."

Van Persie joined United last year in a £24m move from Arsenal and scored 26 goals in the Premier League last season.