Topics: Manchester United, Liverpool, Robin van Persie, David de Gea, Old Trafford
But who was the Dutch wizard really thanking? The crowd? The linesman? David de Gea's invisible twin?

Robin van Persie was jubilant after Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday. In a postgame interview the Dutchman heaped praise on several teammates including, Man of the Match, David de Gea but lead off by thanking the 12th man.  RVP did not state which twelfth man he was speaking….Who do you think Robin was talking about?

Was it the home crowd at Old Trafford?

The Manchester United faithful rocked the Theatre of Dreams from start to finish and even though Liverpool commanded possession during the first twenty minutes of the match, the crowd continued in full voice. Needless to say, after the goals by Wayne Rooney in the 12th minute, Juan Mata before halftime and van Persie in the 71st minute the crowd hit higher levels. RVP’s goal was his 75th in the last four years, tops in the Premier League.  Van Persie highlighted the importance of the crowd stating:

"The fans were brilliant from start to finish, they were our 12th man & we needed it at times."

Was it the linesman?

Van Persie admitted in the post-game interview that he got a slight touch on Ashley Young’s gorgeous cross that redirected (ever so slightly) to the badly offside Juan Mata. The striker admitted with a chuckle: "I got a touch... so you can put that down as an assist."  Mata, all alone, simply nudged the ball into the net with his crown as Liverpool screamed for an offside call that never came. 

Was it de Gea’s invisible twin?

Van Persie spent much of the postgame interview heaping compliments on his Spanish goalkeeper calling him "brilliant" and "outstanding".  De Gea faced relentless pressure from Liverpool and steered away all nine on target shots from the Reds.  De Gea used all parts of his body (and the woodwork) to keep the clean sheet. Mario Balotelli, who came on at halftime and tied with Raheem Sterling for the team lead with four shots on goal, was visibly frustrated by the 24 year old keeper's fantastic play.

Watch Robin van Persie's full post-match interview:

Fans around the world showed support for van Persie and the rest of the Red Devils: