Danny Welbeck welcomes arrival of Robin van Persie at Manchester United

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck (GETTY IMAGES)

Danny Welbeck cannot wait to welcome Robin van Persie into the Manchester United fold.

United are expected to confirm Van Persie's signing this morning, which would enable the prolific Dutch striker to make his debut at Everton on Monday.

The deal represents a major coup for Sir Alex Ferguson, who hopes the partnership between Van Persie and Wayne Rooney can fire United back to the Premier League summit.

As a player who could see his first-team opportunities significantly reduced by the deal, Welbeck could be forgiven a sense of trepidation.

However, the 21-year-old is as delighted as anyone that United have managed to prise Arsenal's best player away from Arsene Wenger's side.

"It's given the club a massive boost," said Welbeck.

"He's a world-class striker who can score goals and create them as well. They are the type of players who do win you titles.

"Everyone is delighted to have him and I'm really looking forward to playing with him."

At an event to mark a new commercial partnership between United and internet gaming company bwin, Ferguson could not disguise his glee at landing last season's PFA and FWA Player of the Year from under the noses of Manchester City.

City were also keen to sign the 29-year-old, who scored 37 times last term.

After travelling back from Holland duty in Brussels, Van Persie yesterday headed up to Manchester for his medical at the Bridgewater Hospital.

"We hope everything gets tied up as we hope and I am sure he will be available on Monday," said Ferguson.

"It is great to have a player of Robin van Persie's qualities to come into the squad. I am very pleased."

With Javier Hernandez also in his striking department and Japan international Shinji Kagawa capable of filling an advanced role as well, Ferguson has the attacking options he has craved since 1999.

Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole scored most of the goals in that momentous treble-winning campaign but Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerged the heroes as they transformed the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

"In 1999 I had Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the four best strikers in Europe," said Ferguson.

"We are going towards that now.

"It is a fantastic collection of players and hopefully I pick the right combinations."

PA