Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has claimed that Robin van Persie's goal celebration with manager Sir Alex Ferguson proves that there is a good spirit within the club.

The former Arsenal hitman ran to the touchline for an embrace with Ferguson after scoring in the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Stoke City on Sunday.

While Evra has claimed that it was "good" to see, the Frenchman has admitted that he would "never" repeat the celebration himself over fears of getting sacked.

"No chance. Never," the Manchester Evening News quotes Evra as saying. "Maybe I will do it with my teammates. But not with the gaffer. He is older. Imagine I go in too strong against him. He could fall, then he might sack me. I will never do that.

"Robin has had a lot of stick from us. It was nice. I could see a lot of love and emotion, It is the first time we saw that. Robin can tell you, for two or three days we have been getting at him. It is good to see love like that on the pitch sometimes."

Meanwhile, United are expected to clinch the Premier League title due to their 15-point lead at the top of the table.