Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has insisted that his side's 4-1 win over Swansea City on the opening day of the Premier League season was "big".

Van Persie, who scored twice in the contest, said that it is hard to play against footballing sides and that the two goals in quick succession in the first half changed the contest.

"It is the first game of the league away from home," Van Persie told Sky Sports News. "They are a great team the way they play. I love the way they play and they are very hard to play at times. It is a big win.

"The first goal changed the game and we got the second shortly after so it helped us. The first game of the season you just don't want to lose. We worked very hard so I'm very pleased."

Danny Welbeck also scored twice in the game.