Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has taunted Manchester City by claiming Robin van Persie was never going to move to the Etihad Stadium.
United and City locked horns for Van Persie's signature after the Dutchman decided to leave Arsenal with the striker deciding to make the move to Old Trafford.
City chief Roberto Mancini has claimed United's signing of Van Persie has been the difference in the title race this season, feeling things would have been different if he managed to bring the Dutch ace to City instead.
However, Ferguson has aimed a swipe at City by suggesting Van Persie was never interested in joining Mancini's charges.
Ferguson has paid tribute to Van Persie for making such an important contribution for United in his first season with the club.
"It's hypothetical, he was never going to City," said Ferguson.
"He's been fantastic for us, a really good footballer. We needed a bit of maturity up front and he's been terrific.
"The improvement is not just through Robin but even when he doesn't score he's a fantastic footballer."
