5. The Van Persie Factor
They say one man doesnt make a team, but try telling that to Maradona or Le Tissier. The arrival of Van Persie last summer was, by anybodys standards, a calculated risk. Although he was blindingly sublime in his last season at the Emirates, he was no spring chicken at 29 and his considerable injury-prone past posed a gamble. Now, only 7 months later that figure seems an absolute steal, and the Dutchman looks like he has been playing at United for 7 years let alone 7 months. He has been the difference maker in countless games this season and is currently the EPLs top goal scorer to boot. What is really important though is his influence on their style of play. Most people would agree that there is no better team, bar Barcelona, that can pass like Arsenal and Van Persie has enabled an already potent United attack to shift the gears when it comes to the final third. And much like his Dutch compatriot, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, he rises to the occasion and delivers when it matters most. In comparison the star striker of the 1999 squad, Andrew Cole, its hard to tell them apart in terms of the goals they brought to the team. Cole was prolific and deadly in front of goal, but his link up play had a lot to be desired. Admittedly, he was an primarily an out and out striker, while Van Persie has the nous to play out on the wings or come from deep and still be effective. He is also one of Uniteds best set piece defenders, time and time again clearing the danger from corners. There is no doubt that if Van Persie was in the 99 squad he would have made that team better. He is the ultimate big game player and brings out the best in the players around him.