With the imminent signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal for £24m, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson hopes his new strike quartet can emulate his treble-winning forwards of 1999.

13 years ago, forwards Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Solskjaer were feared throughout Europe, and the Scottish manager hopes his new quartet of strikers can do the same. When Van Persie completes his move in the next 24 hours, he will join England forwards Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck alongside Mexican international Javier Hernandez.

Ferguson told The Sun "It’s great to have a player of Van Persie’s quality to come into the squad as it is. I’m really pleased. Rooney and Van Persie are two fantastic players and it’s tremendous to have both of them. What it gives us is more strength and combinations up front. Going back to the 1999 season, we had Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solskjaer — the four best strikers in Europe. We’re getting towards that now, with Wayne, Robin, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck. It’s a fantastic collection of players. I just hope that I pick the right combinations.”

Speaking of Van Persie, Ferguson continued: "He has not signed yet but a fee has been agreed. He will have a medical and, hopefully, that will go according to plan.  We hope all these things will be tied up shortly. But sometimes medicals take a little longer and it may carry on until Friday. I’m sure he will be available for Monday’s game.” This suggests the Dutch international may make his debut for Manchester United on Monday against Everton at Goodison Park. However, after only playing half a match for the entire preseason, it is more likely he will occupy a spot on the bench.

 

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