Robin van Persie enjoyed a "special day" after scoring for Manchester United against Arsenal, but refused to celebrate his goal out of "respect" for his former club.
The Dutchman needed just three minutes to remind his former employers of what they lost when he left the Emirates Stadium in a £24million deal in the summer and Patrice Evra added the second after Wayne Rooney missed a penalty, while the Londoners' misery was compounded by the sending off of Jack Wilshere, although Santi Cazorla hit a late consolation.
Van Persie said: "It was a special day, it was quite a game. I think we played well. We had a few chances, we should have scored two or three more but in the end we're happy with the three points which is all that matters."
The 29-year-old was taunted throughout by visiting fans but he did not antagonise them further by celebrating his goal.
He said: "I think it speaks for itself. I played there eight years and had a fantastic time there. I have respect for the fans, the players, the manager and the whole club."
Having watched his side dominate for most of the afternoon, manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: "It's unbelievable. You look at that scoreline, 2-1, you'd think it was a close game but it wasn't.
"I think there was a lack of urgency in our game throughout, we were far too casual. It was an ideal start for Manchester United of course, and it was good for Robin in particular. I thought he was fantastic today, his movement and penetration were fantastic."
Arsenal's defensive frailties were in evidence almost from the outset as United swept forward and forced Thomas Vermaelen into a poor clearance which fell straight to Van Persie, who fired past Vito Mannone from inside the box.
The home side could have doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time after Cazorla handled an Ashley Young cross but Rooney dragged the resulting spot-kick wide.
However, there was no prospect of Arsenal holding out and Evra headed in the second from Rooney's cross before Spain international Cazorla netted a fine consolation with the game's last kick.
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