Sir Alex Ferguson: 'Robin Van Persie was never joining Manchester City'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that he was always confident that Robin van Persie would sign for his club in the summer.

When it was made known that he wanted to leave Arsenal, the Dutch striker's services were heavily linked with both Manchester clubs.

However, Ferguson has revealed ahead of this evening's Manchester derby that he had no doubts regarding Van Persie's destination.

"He was never going to City. He's been fantastic for us, a really good footballer. We needed a bit of maturity up front and he's been terrific," Ferguson is quoted as saying by The Sun.

Van Persie has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season.