The Sunday Times reports that United have a key advantage in the race to sign Van Persie as the Dutchman would prefer moving to United rather than to rivals Manchester City or Juventus.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed earlier this week that the club had made a move for the 28-year-old striker.

Arsenal are refusing to budge on their £30million valuation of Van Persie, something Ferguson is not prepared to offer for the Dutchman.

Van Persie is expected to leave Arsenal in the near future after he was ordered to miss the club's pre-season tour.