English Premier League: Hat-trick hero Van Persie salutes Scholes

Owen’s future still unclear, Stoke still keen on former Utd man.

SOUTHAMPTON: Hat-trick hero Robin van Persie was quick to salute Paul Scholes after the duo inspired Manchester United to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton.

Van Persie took his tally to four goals in two starts for United since his £24m move from Arsenal with a stoppage-time winner on Sunday, taking the striker to 100 Premier League goals. But van Persie insisted the most significant contribution had come from veteran midfielder Scholes, who produced a typically influential display after coming on as a 61st minute substitute shortly after Morgan Schneiderlin had headed the home side into a 2-1 lead.

“I have to say a big thanks to Scholes, when he came on everything started ticking,” said van Persie. “Every single pass he hit was the right one. Everyone felt that.”

He hit a couple of unbelievable passes over 30 metres. With him you are always on your toes because anything can happen with his qualities. For me, he is the man of the match.”

Ferguson echoed van Persie’s praise for the 37-year-old midfielder.

“To be honest with you I thought when Scholes came on the pitch it changed the game completely,” said Ferguson.

Stoke still keen to seal Owen signing

Meanwhile, Stoke manager Tony Pulis believes his club could still sign Michael Owen even though Liverpool are set to join the race for the former England striker.

Pulis has been keen to sign Owen since he was released by Manchester United at the end of last season, but has so far been unable to agree a deal with the 32-year-old.

Pulis wants to sign Owen on a pay-as-you-play contract, but the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle star Owen wants a deal with guaranteed wages and has so far refused to commit to Stoke as he waits for other offers.

With Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers hinting he will consider a move for Owen and Sunderland and Aston Villa also interested, Stoke may have missed their chance.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2012.