Fergie backs RVP to hit 30-goal barrier

Robin van Persie's goal against Arsenal took him within one of the 30 barrier, with the Dutchman breaking the record for most league goals in a debut campaign.

"He has a chance to reach 30," said Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"If he does that it justifies all our faith and hope in him."

It could be argued the move has worked out well for both parties, given United's success has not seen Arsenal collapse in the manner so many felt likely.

Indeed, as Chelsea and Tottenham still have to face each other and Arsenal's final three games are against teams who have either been relegated - QPR - or battling to avoid the drop - Wigan and Newcastle - they should preserve their long-held top-four status.

Although aggrieved United did not claim the victory he felt they deserved, Patrice Evra was impressed by the hosts' battling qualities.

"They were one of the most aggressive teams I have played against," said the France international.

"It was good to see Arsenal like that. They always get abuse about being a team with good football but not being aggressive enough. This time they were."

Evra was particularly annoyed at his failure to convert a second-half chance, which would have moved him on to five goals for the season, the same number as Shinji Kagawa.

He has three more opportunities though, starting against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday with further fixtures against Swansea and West Brom to come - all of which, Evra claims, are important to the Red Devils.

"A lot of people expect to see Manchester United not playing because we have already won the title," said Evra. "But this is not the mentality of Manchester United.

"We want to win every game, even pre-season or friendlies.

"If we lose at Arsenal, people won't say we lost because we have won the league. They would just say 'Manchester United lost'.

"People laugh when I say it was a big game but that is the Manchester United culture.

"Even if we finish the job and have already won the title, we always want to win."

United now have a week to prepare for Chelsea, which gives Nemanja Vidic and Danny Welbeck time to recover from the calf and knee problems which kept them out yesterday.