• Premier League

United title favourites, says RVP

ESPN staff
August 12, 2013
Robin van Persie continued where he left off last season with two goals at Wembley © Getty Images
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Robin van Persie said Manchester United are favourites for the Premier League title after his two goals sank Wigan in the Community Shield.

Van Persie struck with a header and a deflected shot for a 2-0 win as the champions secured the first silverware of the David Moyes era - and the Dutchman said he believes there is more to come.

"We're doing really well, and I believe in this team. We are the champions and, based on that, we are clear favourites. I believe that we will compete until the end again."

United have endured a mixed pre-season as well as having to cope with ongoing speculation about the future of Wayne Rooney.

But Van Persie helped put those concerns in the background and added: "It's always nice to score, especially at Wembley.

"It's a great day for the fans, for us and for the manager as well. All of us. One day, one game and we've won a trophy, so it's good. I'm really glad for everyone."

Ryan Giggs hailed his team-mate's goalscoring performance and said United had been "professional".

"The first goal's a brilliant goal. The timing was brilliant, and it was a great start for us," he said. "We hope Robin can produce the form that he showed last year."

United struggled for defensive solidity during their pre-season campaign but were rarely threatened by their Championship opponents at Wembley, and Giggs said: "It was a very professional performance.

"We were a bit disappointed pre-season, letting a few goals in, so the main objective was to get a clean sheet. We wanted to do that as a team. Work hard, get behind the ball, and I think we did that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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