By NEIL CUSTIS
RVP will lead table-topping Manchester United up front again tonight against West Ham.
And after a stunning start to his Old Trafford career, United legend Van Nistelrooy can see his Dutch countryman making the difference in the Premier League race.
RVN said: “As he’s proving right now, Robin IS making the difference.
“If he can keep going like this through the whole season then I can see United landing another title.”
Van Nistelrooy played alongside Van Persie for Holland so knows exactly what United’s summer signing is all about.
That is why he considered the £22million Alex Ferguson shelled out on the 29-year-old Arsenal star was never going to be a gamble — as some thought.
Van Nistelrooy said: “He’s proved those people wrong already. I was close to him in the national team and was convinced of his qualities then.
“He fits into United’s playing style. He’s everywhere, involved in the play and the finishing — so that makes him special.”
RVP has made a stunning start at United with 11 goals from 17 games already as the Red Devils have powered to the top of the league.
RVN added: “I spoke to him a while ago and congratulated him on his fantastic start. I wished him well and told him to continue like this.
“It feels like he’s been here for ever. He started scoring, got his first goal quickly and has never stopped since. It’s important for a striker when he goes to a new club to start getting goals.”
Van Nistelrooy, 36, was back at Old Trafford last week as a guest of the club for the unveiling of Fergie’s statue and stayed to watch the QPR game.
His 150 goals in 219 games between 2001-06 make him a United legend.
But he would leave in disappointing circumstances after falling out with Ferguson, although they have patched things up.
Van Nistelrooy said: “I left quickly. It was sad leaving without saying thanks to the fans and everyone that supported me all of those years.”
Van Nistelrooy left United for Real Madrid and then joined Hamburg before retiring in the summer after a year at Malaga.
He said: “It’s my first year not playing in 20 seasons but I’m enjoying it.
“I don’t miss playing because I went right through to the end and realised enough was enough.”
But RVN cannot believe Ryan Giggs — who is 39 tomorrow — still has not hung up his boots.
He added: “My first game was his testimonial against Celtic! That was in 2001 and he’s up for another one!”
