Van Persie has made a superb start to his United career after leaving Arsenal in a £24 million move in pre-season and the Dutch forward's haul of 15 goals has fired Ferguson's team four points clear of champions Manchester City heading into the hectic Christmas programme.
The 29-year-old's dynamic displays have added an extra edge to United in the same way that French playmaker Eric Cantona and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo galvanised previous teams in the Ferguson era.
After missing out on the title to City last season, United were in need of a new driving force this term and Ferguson believes van Persie is providing it.
"I am reluctant to subscribe to the cult of an individual. But sometimes you find the last piece of the jigsaw," Ferguson told United's official matchday programme.
Manchester
United's Dutch forward Robin van Persie celebrates scoring the first
goal during the English Premier League match against Sunderland at Old
Trafford on December 15, 2012. Alex Ferguson has hailed van Persie as
the missing piece in United's title jigsaw as they bid to extend their
lead at the top against Newcastle on Wednesday.
"It doesn't have to be signing someone for a record fee. Cristiano Ronaldo was not a record buy either but he certainly made a difference as he prospered with us to the extent that he came to be regarded by a lot of people as the world's best player."
However, Ferguson's side will be made to work hard by Newcastle, whose 1-0 win over struggling QPR last Saturday was only their second in eight league games but it was enough to give their manager Alan Pardew reason to be optimistic.
"We have definitely picked up, we look a little bit more resilient," said Pardew.
"We got a very important clean sheet on Saturday and I think we will be in good heart for what is one of the toughest games of the programme, Manchester United away."
How Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini must rue van Persie's decision to snub the champions in favour of joining United.
Mancini had hoped to make van Persie the centre-piece of his team as he looked to build on last season's title triumph, but instead he has had to watch the striker revitalise his club's arch rivals, while his own strike-force has gone through a barren period.
Newcastle
United striker Shola Ameobi (L) celebrates scoring the winning goal
with James Perch during the English Premier League match at home to
Queens Park Rangers at St James' Park on December 22, 2012. Newcastle's
1-0 win over struggling QPR was only their second in eight league games
but it was enough to give their manager Alan Pardew reason to be
optimistic.
The good news for Mancini's side was United's failure to defeat Swansea 24 hours later, a result which will give fresh impetus to City's challenge according to defender Kolo Toure.
"It's giving us encouragement because we haven't played to our best yet," Toure said ahead of Wednesday's game at Sunderland.
"Every team knows we are champions. They play 200 percent and that makes it really hard for us. We just keep fighting, keep pushing and we can still be better."
United and City could be forgiven for regarding the title race as a strictly Manchester affair this season, especially as Chelsea have appeared on the verge of self-destructing at times.
But the Blues finally showed signs of emerging as a serious contender on Sunday thanks to an 8-0 demolition of Aston Villa.
Manchester
City midfielder Gareth Barry celebrates with David Silva after scoring
his injury-time winner against Reading on December 22, 2012. City won
the game 1-0 at home to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders and
rivals Manchester United.
"You could see the mentality of the players, even at 6-0 we were pushing and trying to score more," he said.
"The team are attacking as a whole and not just depending on one or two players.
"Now we have to sustain this run, keep winning some games and then it will be easier for me to send a message out that we can compete."
With Arsenal's clash against West Ham postponed due to a strike on the London Underground, fifth-placed Everton, who host Wigan, Tottenham, who travel to Villa, and West Bromwich Albion, on their travels at QPR, all have a chance to move into the top four.
Fixtures (1500GMT unless stated)
Aston Villa v Tottenham (1730GMT), Everton v Wigan, Fulham v Southampton, Man Utd v Newcastle, Norwich v Chelsea, QPR v West Brom, Reading v Swansea, Stoke v Liverpool (1945GMT), Sunderland v Man City
Postponed
Arsenal v West Ham (London Underground strik
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