Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is astonished by how quickly Robin van Persie has settled at the club.

The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford from Premier League rivals Arsenal over the summer and has made an instant impact, netting 15 goals in his first 21 appearances.

Smalling hailed the 29-year-old’s start with the Red Devils as all the more surprising due to having a limited pre-season, after signing with the Red Devils in August:

“Obviously he only came in the summer and didn’t have much of a pre-season. But he came straight into the matches and has been such a threat.” He is quoted by The Metro.

“He is putting teams on the back foot and making our job easier at the back.”

Even manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his shock at just how easily the £24m arrival has adjusted:

“He has a fantastic record,

“What you are seeing is a player who has come to his mature years.

“Experience is counting for him now. He has the knowledge and ability and last season his form was terrific.

“Even Arsenal, having had him for a few years, were realising what his best position is. We do the same.”

Van Persie started his career with hometown club Feyenoord, before moving to Arsenal in 2004 for £2.75m

He made almost 200 appearances for the Londoners before switching to United last summer.