Red View: Van Persie signs, Sir Alex on new season, Everton preview + more

EXCITEMENT AS VAN PERSIE ARRIVES Both Robin van Persie and Sir Alex Ferguson are thrilled by the prospect of the Dutch striker pulling on the famous red shirt for Manchester United. At a press conference to officially unveil the star signing, the former Arsenal captain explained the motivation for his switch to Old Trafford despite interest from other clubs. "Manchester United breathes football," admitted van Persie. "Every aspect. For me, I made the decision quite soon. It was based on a lot of things and all these things went for United. When I have to make a hard decision, I always listen to the little boy inside me and what does he want? That little boy was screaming for Manchester United." Sir Alex believes his latest recruit is ready made, just as Eric Cantona was when he arrived from Leeds in 1992. "He's a finished player," said the boss. "You've got to remember Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are coming to an end and we need top mature players to replace them. The young players will come on but they won't be able to replace Scholes and Giggs now. "We've had several players like that, starting with Cantona of course. Robin brings a certainty to us for the future. He's a different physical specimen to the players we already have at the club." More - Red Voices podcast: Van Persie reaction | Robin proud to be Red | RvP only wanted United BOSS: CITY THE TEAM TO BEAT Sir Alex Ferguson admits he views Manchester City as the biggest threat in the Barclays Premier League in 2012/13. Ahead of Monday's season opener at Everton, the manager disagrees with Roberto Mancini's view that United are favourites, as do the bookmakers. Sir Alex says the reigning champions are clearly the team to beat again after ending a 44-year title drought. "Neighbours are neighbours," explained Sir Alex. "The derby games never change. The defeat at Old Trafford was where we lost the league with the goal difference and, if you ask me, who are the biggest threat this season, then it's Manchester City - without question. Roberto Mancini says we're favourites every week. Is he not going to realise he's got a decent team himself? "I think with the experience we've had last year, it was a different type of year and the first time anyone has beaten us on goal difference. That was a change and it won't happen again. Trust me on that. "I'm almost certain Chelsea will be challenging as well - they won the European Cup, the trophy Roman Abramovich has been after and now he's excited again so they've signed a few players. But I still look at City as our biggest threat." More: Fletcher doing well | Sir Alex: Maybe one more signing still to come | 2012/13 squad numbers   This email was sent by:Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please register with ManUtd.com to receive the MU Foundation newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy. Please DO NOT reply to this email.