Fergie’s RVP taunt

AD-VAN-TAGE UNITED ... Robin has made the difference this year

ALEX FERGUSON turned up the heat before tonight’s derby clash by taunting Manchester City over Robin van Persie.

United boss Fergie nicked RVP from under Roberto Mancini’s nose last summer.

And he insisted: “He was never going to go to City.”

Mancini believed he was in the driving seat to land Van Persie from Arsenal.

And the City chief reckons the striker’s 19 Premier League goals this term are the major reason why the title is heading back to Old Trafford.

But when quizzed over whether City would have been stronger with Van Persie, Ferguson insisted: “It’s hypothetical, he was never going to City.

“He’s been fantastic for us, a really good footballer.

“We needed a bit of maturity up front and he’s been terrific.

“The improvement is not just through Robin but even when he doesn’t score he’s a fantastic footballer.”

Dutch ace Van Persie, 29, cost United £24million and has made a massive difference — even though the goals have dried up lately with just one in his last 12 games.

But Fergie warned: “That will change. He will get goals.”