Ruud van Nistelrooy firmly believes that his compatriot Robin van Persie will fire Manchester United to yet another Premier League title.

The former United forward, who scored a staggering 150 goals during his five year spall at Old Trafford, is confident that Van Persie can help the club win a 20<sup>th league title and avenge the final day disappointment of last season.

Robin van Persie
Ruud van Niselrooy is confident Robin van Persie can fire United to the title this season [Reuters]

Van Persie has started the season in superb fashion, already scoring 11 goals in all competitions, and has already proved to be a match winner on a number of occasions both domestically and in Europe.

While there are similarities between the two Dutch forwards, Van Nistelrroy believes the current United forward has much more to his game and he has formed a good understanding with fellow forwards Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.

"As Robin is proving right now, he's making the difference on many occasions," Van Nistelrooy told the Mirror. "If he can keep going like this through the whole season then I can see United landing another title win.

"I'm happy I've hung up my boots and now I can enjoy watching Robin play. I spoke to him a little while ago and congratulated him on his fantastic start.

"I wished him well and told him to continue like this. It feels like he's been here for ever. He started scoring, got his first goal quickly and hasn't stopped since, so hopefully it will continue.

"I think he's fitted in really well at United. It's important for a striker when he goes to a new club to start getting his goals in early.

"That's what happened to Robin. He has the experience of the Premier League already and he's proved to be a great signing, the way he plays."

Many critics suggested that Manchester United did not need to address their options in attack and also questioned why Sir Alex Ferguson was willing to pay £24million for a 29-year-old.

However, Van Nistelrooy is adamant that the former Arsenal striker has been worth every penny as the club attempt to wrestle the title away from noisy neighbours Manchester City.

"He's proved those people wrong already," added Van Nistelrooy. "I was close to him playing in the national team and I was convinced of his qualities then.

"It still has to work out, but hopefully he can go on and do even better. It's great to see, the way he plays.

"Robin fits into United's playing style. He's everywhere, involved in all of the play and the finishing as well, so that makes him special."