Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp believes that Robin van Persie's contribution to Manchester United's title challenge has been pivotal.

Manchester United were edged out by Manchester City for the Premier League title on goal difference last season, but Redknapp has insisted that the arrival of Van Persie from Arsenal gave United an extra edge to open up a 12-point advantage at the top of the table.

The QPR boss told London 24: "When they took Van Persie, they got beat by last year on last game of season Van Persie suddenly you're adding Van Persie to that team, you'd certainly fancy them to win it then.

"It's like suddenly, it's like me racing you and you beating me by a foot and then you having to carry 12 pounds extra on your back I think there's a chance I'd beat you.

"I think that's the advantage Man United have had. Van Persie has given them such an advantage; he's such a fantastic player. He's probably going to win footballer of the year again."

Queens Park Rangers host Manchester United on Saturday.