Van Persie sees Ferguson echo in Giggs's words

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes he has seen signs of Alex Ferguson's management style during Ryan Giggs's brief time in the Old Trafford hotseat. Giggs, English football's most decorated player and a one-club man, was put in caretaker charge of United after the faltering club sacked manager David Moyes. The 40-year-old oversaw his second win from three matches as interim manager when United beat Hull 3-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with James Wilson scoring two goals on debut and Dutch forward van Persie also on target. Dethroned champions United finish their season away to Southampton on Sunday amid speculation that the club's owners, the US-based Glazer family, are set to appoint experienced Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal as the new permanent manager. Van Persie, who recently returned to first-team action after seven weeks out injured, said: "I witnessed two team meetings as I came in a bit late. "The one from the last game against Sunderland, and Tuesday's game, were incredible. They were Sir Alex-esque. "He's been brilliant. And he put in some fantastic passes and almost scored after coming on. He's a legend and I think he shows that every day." A lack of goals has contributed to United's slump this season and ahead of Sunday's finale they've managed 63 Premier League goals this season, 23 fewer than they scored last term. Van Persie's injury problems haven't helped, with the forward -- who scored 30 goals last season -- managing just 18 this campaign after being laid low first with a thigh problem at the turn of the year and then a knee injury in March. "It's been a bit up and down for me this year," said van Persie. "I've not been fully fit. That is where everything starts. You have to get that full season (of fitness). "You can miss a couple of games, but not many. I missed half (the games) this season. "I am gutted about that and I just want next year to stay fit, do well and compete again. I am sure we will next year." Source: AFP