Fergie - RVP to get better

Robin van Persie: Manchester United striker's first goal for the club was a superb volley

Sir Alex Ferguson felt Robin van Persie's first goal for Manchester United epitomised his new signing's goalscoring ability.

Van Persie joined United from Premier League rivals Arsenal last week and made his debut as a substitute in Monday's defeat at Everton.

The Dutch striker was handed his first start for United in place of Wayne Rooney against Fulham on Saturday and rewarded Ferguson's decision by scoring a 10th minute equaliser.

He brilliantly swept home Patrice Evra's cross on the volley before another new face - Shinji Kagawa - gave United a 2-1 lead with a close-range finish.

Fantastic

"It was a fantastic finish," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "It epitomises the type of goalscoring ability he has.

"It lifted the players and from that moment on we played very, very well.

"I'm pleased for them both. It's early doors for them as Robin has not really played in the team much and today was his first real game. They will get better, I'm sure of that."

Rafael headed United into a 3-1 advantage before half-time, but a mix-up between David de Gea and Nemanja Vidic resulted in the hosts' captain diverting the ball into his own net.

Fulham then applied the pressure in the closing stages in search of an equaliser and Ferguson rued the nature of the second goal his side conceded.

He added: "We were playing brilliant football and dominating after recovering from a bad start, and you were talking about maybe four, five, or six goals.

"But then we lose a stupid goal through bad defending and it made it a game."