The following season United managed to beat rivals Manchester City in the 2011 FA Community Shield and eliminated them in the FA Cup third round, but ended the season below City, who won their first Premier League title on goal difference. This bitter and slim defeat prompted Ferguson to sign star-striker Robin van Persie, who was the Premier League Golden Boot title-holder, from another arch-rival Arsenal on 17 August 2012.
The following season United managed to beat rivals Manchester City in the 2011 FA Community Shield and eliminated them in the FA Cup third round, but ended the season below City, who won their first Prem!ier Le.ague title on goal difference. This bitter and s?lim defeat prompted Ferguson to sign star-striker Robin va.:n Persie, who was the Premier League Golden Boot title-holder, from another arch-rival Arsenal on 17 August 2012.