Manchester United hitman Robin van Persie has expressed his delight at his decision to become a Red and not a Blue in Manchester this summer as the pair go head to head in the first Manchester derby of the season today.

Arsenal had accepted bids from both United and City for their star man in the summer, who was out of contract in 2013, but Van Persie sided with Sir Alex Ferguson over current Premier League champion Roberto Mancini.

Van Persie clearly has no regrets over the decision as he has fired 13 goals in 19 games since his arrival at Old Trafford and sees his current side have a three point lead over City going into today’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.

The Dutchman revealed that he made his mind up almost instantly when choosing between the Manchester rivals this summer and has expressed at just how much he is enjoying his football at the moment.

“I made my mind up very quickly and I am coming into work with a big smile on my face every day.” Van Persie told The Sun.

“It is not really work, it is my hobby — I love football.

“But everyone has been so nice to me and I have been having the time

of my life here.

“So I don’t regret that — but of course in a derby you have lots of people involved — the fans and the players.

“Everyone is really committed and wants their team to win and we’ll do all we can to win too.”