Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he tracked Robin Van Persie when he was a youth player.

Van Persie has been in sensational form this season for Arsenal, leading the goal charts with 18 so far.

Ferguson, who takes his side to face Arsenal today, has said that he personally went to watch Van Persie play in a scouting mission. Despite toying with the idea of placing a bid, the Scot decided to leave it and the Dutchman subsequently joined Arsenal.

"I remember going to see Van Persie play for Feyenoord reserves, way, way back," said the United boss.

"We were definitely interested, but the day we went to see him he didn't play the full game. He was either sent off or he walked off, I can't remember which.

"We ended up leaving it, we didn't make a move for him. I don't think we saw enough of him to make a decision, whereas Arsenal were much closer to the situation at the time and they eventually got themselves a terrific player."

The Red Devils currently sit in second place in the Premier League table.