Cometh the hour, cometh the van

Southhampton 2 Man Utd 3

Van Persie’s spectacular hat-trick — in Alex Ferguson’s 1000th league match in charge — saved United from the ignominy of losing two of their opening three games of the campaign, taking them from 2-1 down against Southampton to secure a thrilling victory that left visiting fans chanting the name of a player who just months ago was seen as the enemy.

Never mind that Southampton looked the better side for long periods; never mind that United were unconvincing, especially in midfield where Shinji Kagawa was over-run, and never mind that van Persie also took a miserable penalty that was dramatically saved at a time when his side were desperate to get back in game.