The purchase of Robin van Persie by Manchester United has really proved a shrewd move by Sir Alex Ferguson. Not only has the Dutch striker blossomed on the pitch with his 19 Premier League goals helping the Reds sit top of the league but of the pitch it has also paid huge dividends.
It has just been announced that based on shirt sales van Persie is the most popular player in the English Premier League. He has taken top spot from United team mate Wayne Rooney. The former Arsenal player dominates the market with sales of shirts with his name and number making up a massive 25.4 per cent of all personalised kit sold.
Whether that helps Manchester United recoup the GBP24million they paid to secure his services, only the clubs accountants will know.
One thing it does prove is sometimes nice guys do finish first!
