Rio Ferdinand has praised team-mate Robin van Persie but warned his Manchester United team not to become complacent until trophies have been won.

After seven trophy-less seasons with the Gunners, Van Persie's first season with United is proving the right move.

The Dutchman took his tally to 19 goals, after a brace in United's 4-0 win over Wigan on New Year's Day, but Ferdinand admits there are greater rewards at stake than just sheer weight of goals.

The United centre-back said: "Robin is an important player.

"The manager saw something in him and made it his mission to buy him this summer.

"At the moment, thankfully, he is doing what he came here to do.

"He is not only scoring goals. He holds the ball up well and brings others into play. He does a fantastic job.

"But we are not at the end of the season yet. No medals have been handed out.

"We don't want to jump about too much. Up to now he has done fantastically well. But the job is still there to be done."

Ferdinand praised his United side, he added: "Winning the league is down to a group of players rather than one individual," said the former England star.

"But it is easy for people to settle in here.

"We have a great bunch of players and there is a great ambience in the squad.

"It is a great place to come to if you are willing to come in, work hard and be a member of the team."

Now with a seven-point lead over Manchester City, after last year's startling collapse when United lost a bigger lead in a shorter space of time, Ferdinand does not want his team's focus to drop.

He said: "Last year was the first time City had challenged properly and there was a lot of focus on Manchester.

"But we have to make sure we keep our own house in order, make sure we keep ticking off the games.

"There is no point us focusing on anyone but ourselves."