Van Persie Attributes Success to Best Coach in the World

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has attributed the club's emphatic lead at the Premier League's summit to the work of first-team coach Rene Meulensteen.

Van Persie's status as the Premier League's most potent striker has been enhanced since his summer move from Arsenal, with the Dutchman top of the Premier League scoring charts with 18 goals this season.

And United's leading marksman says the work of his fellow countryman Meulensteen in training is the secret behind his and the club's success this season.

"It's gone as well as I've expected it to go," Van Persie said. "I go into work every day whistling, as from the first day they've made me feel welcome.

"The boys made me feel right at home. Training is really good and I see things I've not seen in a long time. It is a very pleasant environment to work in.

"Every day I work on new things. I have become alert to small details that make me better.

"The way he [Meulensteen] trains is refreshing. He is truly one of the best coaches in the world. I've had a lot of good trainers, but it's the way he prepares our team for games.

"Every match is different so every training session in build-up is unique. We know exactly what to expect. He wins points for us through his training.

"We've won a lot of games by the odd goal - they are point winners. Consider the game against Chelsea.

"I scored after a low cross from Antonio Valencia on the right. It might seem like a fluke, but the whole week before the game was spent working on that move.

"Another example is my goal against Wigan when I cut the ball inside and shot with my right foot - again this was a situation we trained on."

After his much-hyped summer switch, Van Persie has fitted in seamlessly at Old Trafford, having scored 25 goals already this season to help United towards their 20<sup>th league title.

United's lead over champions Manchester City stands at nine points with 13 games remaining, a seemingly unassailable lead in the title race.