GettyImagesRobin van Persie celebrates the first of Man United's trio of goals as they came from behind to win at Braga

The initial reaction to Robin van Persie signing for United in the summer was one of appreciation, but slight disbelief. At that time, most United fans were casting covetous glances in the direction of Luka Modric and Dembele. Nobody was willing to dispute the Dutchman was a very good player, but United, clearly, needed a midfielder. Now, it doesn't seem to matter if anybody else takes the field at all, if Van Persie plays, United are in with a chance.

Nani sidelined, Evans a doubt

Braga must have been licking their lips with glee. Not only were they beating Manchester United and heading into the last part of the game, but the opposition weren’t even putting up a fight. Some commentators have described the first hour in Portugal as the worst 60 minutes of United’s season so far. It certainly ranks.

Even as he heads towards his 71st birthday, Fergie must still intimidate players enough to use fear as a motivator. The number of times Manchester United have turned around a result in the final minutes can, to an extent at least, be attributed to a desire to appease the boss before the end of the game.

The alternative scenario can be deadly for a player. Further reports have emerged this week of an extended argument between the manager and Nani after his late blunder against Chelsea last week. It can hardly be a surprise the team produces the exact opposite outcome after witnessing the manager lose his temper.

There is a temptation to look at the league table and the Champions League group and reflect on a job well done. That would be foolish, as this side still has problems. Chris Smalling's return was welcome and he played well in Portugal. Nonetheless, United are still vulnerable at times and teams which attack them will fancy their chances.

No matter, Van Persie is in the form of his life and is unstoppable at the moment. His opportunistic punt to equalise was sublimely weighted and the result seemed inevitable after it had gone in. It has been many a year since United won their first four Champions League games and it sends a message to the continent. Detractors will say that had they been in a group with, for example, Ajax, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, they would not have fared so well. True, but you can only play the cards you're dealt.

Ten days ago things were far less certain, but this weekend United head to Villa Park top of the table and with a phenomenal goal-scoring precedent behind them. Their top scoring season in the Premier League saw them net 97 goals. If they continue scoring at the current rate, they will finish this season with 99. Hernandez weighed in with another goal midweek and comparisons with the strikeforce from the treble-winning year are not seem so fanciful right now.

The goals are coming from a frontline that can dictate the outcome of any contest. Villa are a simpering side this season and sit 17th. They have yet to put in a performance of conviction but, still, away from home United should not underestimate their opponents. If they are to maintain their current position at the top of the table, keeping focussed will be paramount.

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