Alex Ferguson compares Robin van Persie to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona

Netherlands international has enjoyed incredible start to career at Old Trafford

Robin van Persie has been receiving his fair share of plaudits since moving to Manchester United, but they don't come much bigger than being likened to one of the club's all-time greats.

The Netherlands international has scored 15 goals since his £24m summer move from Arsenal, as well as forming a devastating partnership with Wayne Rooney in what has been a seamless transition from the Emirates to Old Trafford.

Despite his huge price-tag, many observers think the 29-year-old is proving a bargain, particularly with United leading second place Manchester City by six points in the Premier League.

Among those lavishing praise has been Sir Alex Ferguson, who has compared him to Eric Cantona.

"He has got a similar profile to Eric in terms of age and maturity. He had a great spell at Arsenal so there is no issue with him needing to settle into the Premier League.

"He came from one big club to another big club and he is an established international. All these things in his profile suited us perfectly."

Cantona arrived from Leeds in 1992 for a fee of just £1m and went on to take United to the echelons of English football, a position they haven't relinquish since. Ferguson believes Van Persie is capable of achieving something similar.

Speaking to yahoo.com, Ferguson said: "I think it is happening, the attacking aspect of our game has definitely improved and of course he has weighed in with 14 goals (now 15) so far. Chicharito has got nine goals, Rooney has seven (now eight) I think and we have scored around 43 goals as a team, which is quite a high amount for this time of year.'