Manchester United striker Robin van Persie wants even more goals

Flying start not enough for Dutchman

United's Robin van Persie celebrates his first-minute goal (PA)

Manchester United sharp-shooter Robin van Persie has warned he is not satisfied with his flying start to life at Old Trafford.

Van Persie has scored 13 goals in his first 19 United appearances and is clearly the man Manchester City must watch in Sunday's blockbuster showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the Dutchman still believes he has plenty of improvement to make, which could be bad news for Roberto Mancini and his men.

"When you are wanted by everyone it gives you wings," Van Persie told MUTV.

"I am happy here and everyone looks very happy to have me here.

"But I am not satisfied. If you look at the stats, 13 goals in 19 games, it is OK.

"But I want better and more. I want more goals, more assists.

"I want to go for everything that it is possible this year."

United head to the Etihad Stadium three points clear of City, but with an inferior goal difference.

As Sir Alex Ferguson noted a few weeks ago, it means United must be doing something right given the criticism heaped on them for what, at times, even their manager admitted has been shambolic defending.

"I do (accept United have not been playing at their best)," said Van Persie.

"But I just come back to the winning part.

"We have been winning. We are first in the league, first in the Champions League.

"Everyone would have signed for that a couple of months ago. Up to now we can accept it. It is good.

"Now we have to improve. If you just take away a couple of the goals we gave away in away games, we would have made life easier for ourselves."

Yet Van Persie has no doubts who deserves the credit for steering United into their present lofty position.

When he quit Arsenal in a £24million deal last summer, Van Persie cited the chance to work with Ferguson as one of the major attractions.

He has not been left disappointed.

"The way he gets us ready for the games is different class," said Van Persie.

"Those speeches are very important for every single one of us. The things he says, when he says them, before the match, during the match and after it.

"It is very direct. It is all spot on and very honest.

"I love that. We Dutch people like to be straight and honest and he tells you how it is.

"If it is good, it is good. If it is not good enough he will tell you, so you have to improve straight away.

"That is what I like. No one can play 10 games and play well in all 10. You always have a couple of games where it is not going so well. You have to deal with that."

PA