Rio: No medals handed out yet

Rio Ferdinand has joined the throng happy to heap praise on Robin van Persie — but the Manchester United defender is acutely aware judgment will only come when trophies are being handed out.

Van Persie landed both the PFA and FWA player of the year prizes last term for his outstanding form at Arsenal.

Yet, much as Arsene Wenger views Champions League qualification as an end in itself, the Dutchman remained unfulfilled.

After seven trophy-less seasons with the Gunners, the 29-year-old decided it was time to head down another avenue, and much to Roberto Mancini’s chagrin, he opted for United ahead of Manchester City.

Van Persie took his tally to 19 with a double at Wigan on New Year’s Day, ensuring the Red Devils maintained their seven-point advantage over City at the summit of the Premier League.

However Ferdinand is acutely aware there are greater rewards at stake than just sheer weight of goals.

“Robin is an important player,” said Ferdinand.

“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.