Southampton 2 Manchester United 3:Robin van Persie's hat-trick helped Manchester United stage an incredible late comeback at Southampton and ensure Alex Ferguson's 1,000th league game at the helm would end in victory.

Rickie Lambert headed the hosts in front after 16 minutes, but the €30 million former Arsenal man drew the sides level with a trademark left-footvolley at the back post seven minutes later.

Nathaniel Clyne’s inopportune slip cost Saints but the home side enjoyed their own dollop of good fortune 10 minutes into the second half as Patrice Evra fell, allowing Morgan Schneiderlin to head home.

Saints would have been pegged back once again, though, had it not have been for goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, who saved a cheeky penalty attempt by van Persie.

The Netherlands international looked set to get his first taste of the famous Ferguson hairdryer only to provide a late double salvo inside the final three minutes that turned the game on its head and saw him rack up his 100th Premier League goal.

“It was a good feeling afterwards,” he told Sky Sports 1. “I got a bit of luck with the second goal, and then at the end...

“I‘m very disappointed with the penalty. When that happens at 2-1 down, you can‘t take a penalty like that. Something went wrong big time.”

The Holland international was keen to shirk being man of the match too, claiming veteran substitute Paul Scholes deserved the honour.

“I have to say a big thank you to Paul Scholes,” he added. “Every single pass he hit was the right one. It was unbelievable. He is man of the match for me.”