Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that his side bought striker Robin van Persie at the peak of his footballing career.

The Dutchman joined the Red Devils from Arsenal in the summer, and has helped the club to a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The 29-year-old netted a brace during United's 4-0 win at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, and Ferguson believes that the league leaders bought the forward at the best stage of his playing days.

"Robin is a completely rounded footballer," said Ferguson. "He has great international experience, he played for Arsenal for seven years and he came to us at the very peak of his career.

"His ability to make and take goals is fantastic.

"His play for his first goal was absolutely magnificent, his turn, his balance, no drawback, just side footed it in. It was a really good goal."

Van Persie leads the Premier League scoring charts with 16 goals in 21 games.