Jol: Van Persie is like Ibrahimovic

Posted Monday, February 04, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Fulham boss Martin Jol has hailed Robin van Persie for bringing the "Zlatan" effect to Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic famously won eight titles in a row for five different clubs in three countries until 2011, such was the effect he had on the teams he joined.

After being part of an Arsenal squad that famously won nothing for seven seasons, Van Persie clearly does not have quite the same magic.

But, along with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, Jol believes whichever club Van Persie decided to join after leaving the Gunners last summer would win silverware.

"Van Persie is the main man," Jol said. "He sets them up with little flicks and combination football and he also scores the most goals.

"He scores over 30 goals a season and will be top scorer again, as he was last year.

"He is like Zlatan. Wherever he goes, they will be champions. Van Persie has that quality."

It is a glowing tribute to pay to someone who, by Jol's admission, was not much of a threat at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The main danger came from Wayne Rooney, who struck a post in the first half - the last of three occasions on which United hit the woodwork - before curling home a 79th-minute winner just as it appeared his team were heading for their first goalless draw in an incredible 97 matches.

"I think they will win it (the league title) this year because players like Rooney make the difference," Jol added.

"It is almost frightening the players they can bring on. This time it was Danny Welbeck, who is one of the quickest players in the Premier League. They bring him on just to hurt you.

"They not only have the best team, they have the best squad as well. But they are Manchester United, why shouldn't they have good players on the bench."

Fulham's aims are rather less lofty, although at least a midweek win over West Ham has given them some breathing space in the battle for Premier League survival, even if Jol knows the trauma still to come.

"First you need 36 or 37 points. Then you have to get to 40 points," he said. "It is always the same.

"If you had to wait for that until the last game of the season you would probably end up in hospital."

A 10-minute break caused by a floodlight failure just before half-time halted the momentum of both sides after a pulsating start.

The deadlock was eventually broken when Fulham's defence failed to deal with a long punt downfield by Jonny Evans 11 minutes from time.

Rooney was onto it in a flash, finishing smartly for his 10th goal in as many games to confirm a victory that means United have now collected 35 points from 39 since their last defeat at Norwich on November 17.

And while Ferguson will not allow minds to wander with a record 20th title to win, Rooney accepted it felt very much like a memorable Cristiano Ronaldo goal on the same ground in 2007 that was pivotal in the first of a championship hat-trick.

"I fancied myself to score," Rooney said. "It was a little bit similar to Cristiano's goal.

"After that one we went on to win the league and hopefully that can happen after today [Saturday]."

Rooney also had words of comfort for under-fire goalkeeper David de Gea, who has come in for heavy criticism in the past couple of weeks.

De Gea was blamed by Gary Neville amongst others for an injury-time Tottenham equaliser a fortnight ago, prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to brand them opinions of "idiots".

Others felt the 22-year-old was responsible for Southampton's early goal on Wednesday, even though Michael Carrick admitted it was his fault.

"David has made some great saves over the last few weeks," Rooney said. "I know he got a little bit of criticism after the Tottenham game but it wasn't the biggest mistake I've ever seen.

"We're all behind him. He's a great player for the future as well."

There are still issues to be addressed about De Gea's future.

Jose Mourinho is believed to be a fan and there have been suggestions Real Madrid will attempt to take Spain's Olympic goalkeeper home in the summer, even if there is a change of manager at the Bernabeu.

And the fact that Jack Butland will join Stoke in the summer gives credence to speculation that Asmir Begovic will make the short journey north from the Britannia Stadium to Old Trafford at the same time.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson's post-match admission yesterday that goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has been urging De Gea to enjoy his time at Old Trafford is an indicator all is not well with a player who cost £18million just 18 months ago.