Manchester Utd

Ruud has no problem with Ferguson
Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy says he has not fallen out with boss Sir Alex Ferguson after being dropped for the Carling Cup final. Van Nistelrooy was left on the bench during Sunday's 4-0 victory over Wigan with Louis Saha picked ahead of him. "The manager told me before the game that I wasn't playing," he said. "I was very disappointed but I could understand why he wanted to play Louis because he has been playing very well in the competition this season." Van Nistelrooy added: "You have to accept the decision as a professional player. "There is no problem between me and the manager. I cheered the first two goals with everyone else on the bench and I was happy for the team. "I've heard suggestions I was acting. Well, if I was, then I'm the best actor in Holland. "I've scored a lot of goals this season and feel I've been playing well and I hope to be back in the team to play Wigan on Monday. I expect to play the league matches."

Ferguson tips Keane for greatness
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Roy Keane to be a big success in management. "Roy will go on to be a manager, there is no question about that," said Ferguson. "He is very driven, a great influence and very determined. "When I look at that I can see myself in Roy and Roy in me. "He was fantastic to me, the best player I had, but I now see him going on to the next stage in his career and that is becoming a manager." Keane left United in November 2005 after 12-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and signed an 18-month deal with Celtic in December. The 34-year-old had a contract at United that was due to expire at the end of the current season but left after his relationship with the club had deteriorated. The midfielder criticised the team in an interview on MUTV, which was never shown, and that appeared to have brought forward his departure. Ferguson added that the decision to part with a player with whom he had such a close association was incredibly difficult. "When you have guys who have given you such fantastic service it is tough when the time comes to say goodbye," added Ferguson. "It was time to go, it was time to part and the problem is when you fall in love with one of your players because of what they've done with you. "Players almost become like family but when you get to that age they you have to make that terrible decision and change things."

Ferguson feared Saha summer exit
Sir Alex Ferguson selected Louis Saha for the Carling Cup final ahead of Ruud van Nistlerooy because he feared the Frenchman may leave Manchester United. "If I didn't play Louis in the final after he had scored so many goals, he might say 'I can get a regular place somewhere else'," Ferguson said. "He scored goals throughout the competition, including in both legs of the semi-final, which is some feat. "He deserved to play in the final and everything else is secondary." Saha admitted it was a surprise when Ferguson told him he had got the nod over Van Nistelrooy as United set about ensuring they did not go two seasons without winning a trophy. Such a reaction would have been a shock to the manager though, who - given Saha's recent record of 10 goals in his last 15 games, and five in the Carling Cup - felt his selection was automatic. "I think Louis would have been disappointed if he hadn't played," Ferguson added. And the Manchester United boss conceded he may have a juggling act in the future as he ruled out playing Saha, Van Nistlerooy and Wayne Rooney in an attacking triumvirate on a regular basis. "You could play the three of them but I don't think you could do it every week," said Ferguson. "The problem is you need to find some balance because playing three down the middle does not work at all. "We have always been a team that uses the full width of the pitch and we need to play people who are prepared to get out to the sides."

Wigan 1-2 Man Utd
Wigan defender Pascal Chimbonda scored a desperately unlucky own goal to hand Manchester United a last-gasp victory. The Latics, soundly beaten by United in the Carling Cup final eight days ago, dominated the first half and led after an hour through Paul Scharner's tap-in. United equalised when shock substitute Ruud van Nistelrooy's mis-hit shot set up team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Then at the death, Louis Saha's deflected shot hit the bar and ricocheted into the net off Chimbonda. The three points moved a jubilant United back above Liverpool into second in the Premiership table, but it was an agonising end for Wigan, whose two previous meetings with United this season had both ended in 4-0 defeats. Van Nistelrooy, also left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's Carling Cup team, started the game on the bench and looked a forlorn figure. But even he would have found chances hard to come by in a vibrant first half from the hosts, who made their mark early. Ronaldo, who upset Wigan by showboating as United coasted to victory in the Carling Cup, was floored within five minutes by a late tackle from Arjan de Zeeuw. The Wigan skipper was deservedly booked, but the incident seemed to embolden his side, with strikers Jason Roberts and Henri Camara consistently troubling Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown at the heart of United's defence. Camara created the game's first clear chance after seven minutes, setting up Gary Teale, who scooped his shot over the bar. Camara then found Roberts with a header, but his striker partner nodded the ball straight at Edwin van der Sar from three yards out. United were on the back foot but still could have taken the lead when a sweet move featuring Ronaldo ended with Wayne Rooney overhitting a pass to Saha when he might have shot. Wigan were quickly back on the attack, Camara slicing wide from Lee McCulloch's flick-on and Graham Kavanagh twice sending Van der Sar scrambling with sweetly-struck volleys. The only disappointment for the home side at the break was their failure to convert their chances - and they were almost made to pay three minutes into the second half. Gary Neville galloped into space on the right and crossed for Rooney, who headed well over from a good position. But just as United looked like they might have weathered the Wigan storm, the hosts pounced from a corner. Ryan Giggs cleared De Zeeuw's header off the line and Van der Sar blocked Roberts' follow-up but the ball eventually fell to an unmarked Scharner, who gleefully tapped in. Ferguson responded by introducing Van Nistelrooy - and the Dutchman, albeit accidentally, made an immediate impact when his miskick fell to Ronaldo, who slotted home. If the equaliser seemed like rough justice for the home side, the winner was harsh. John Filan smothered Saha's shot, but it came back off the bar, hit Chimbonda and bounced agonisingly into the net - despite the Wigan defender's frantic efforts to stop it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wigan boss Paul Jewell: "It was a poxy goal to lose to. "We don't want people to feel sorry for us. I'm sick for the players and fans - you could see by how United celebrated that they felt they got out of jail. "We played well but lady luck was just against us. I can't ask for any more effort and we pushed them all the way." Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "I don't think we've had a harder away game all season - Wigan were brilliant, absolutely terrific. "They didn't deserve to lose - it was so unlucky for Pascal Chimbonda, he couldn't do much about it in the end. "We were poor in the first half but we improved and then gambled. I'd have settled for 1-1 as they were so good." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wigan: Filan, Chimbonda, Scharner, De Zeeuw, Baines, Teale, Bullard, Kavanagh, McCulloch (Ziegler 89), Roberts, Camara. Subs Not Used: Walsh, Jackson, Johansson, Thompson. Booked: De Zeeuw, Kavanagh, Scharner, McCulloch, Baines. Goals: Scharner 60. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre (Evra 85), Ronaldo, O'Shea, Giggs, Park (van Nistelrooy 71), Saha, Rooney. Subs Not Used: Howard, Vidic, Richardson. Booked: Giggs, O'Shea, Neville. Goals: Ronaldo 74, Chimbonda 90 og. Att: 23,574 Ref: S Bennett (Kent)

Rooney signs record £5m book deal
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has signed the biggest sports book deal in publishing history. The 20-year-old has agreed a 12-year contract with HarperCollins to write a minimum of five books for an advance of £5m plus royalties. Rooney's first book will hit the shelves at the end of July 2006 and will be an autobiography of his life so far, including this summer's World Cup. "It will be good for people to hear things from me for once," Rooney said. "When they talk to me, people say, 'I didn't expect you to be how you are'. "Hopefully I can put that across to people. They think I'm a different person to what I am. I'm just a normal young lad who plays football. "I'll be talking about my life in football and other things as well. There will be a few surprises in there." The follow-up books will cover the rest of Rooney's playing career and there will also be a Wayne Rooney Annual published in the autumn of 2006, aimed at younger fans. Rooney made his debut for Everton aged 16 in 2002, became the youngest England international a year later and joined Manchester United for £20m in 2004.

Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle
Wayne Rooney's early double powered Manchester United to a one-sided win over Newcastle to tighten their grip on the Premiership's second place. He intercepted Peter Ramage's backpass to delicately chip over a helpless Shay Given in the eighth minute. Four minutes later he held off Ramage to slot home from John O'Shea's pass. Newcastle improved in the second half but Rooney missed a great chance for his hat-trick, hitting the post after rounding keeper Given. Manchester United again opted to leave Ruud van Nistelrooy's goal threat on the bench but it made little difference as they roared into a two-goal lead. Rooney was gift-wrapped the first when he read Ramage's backpass and exquisitely chipped Given from the corner of the penalty area. The England striker doubled the score when O'Shea swapped passes neatly with Louis Saha and fed a ball into the inside-left channel for Rooney to plant in his shot from 18 yards. Newcastle reeled under the early Manchester United onslaught and were relieved when Saha sprinted clear of a square back line - only to pull his shot wide of the target. The home side had a catalogue of chances, with the luckless Ramage slicing a clearance across the face of his goal where Saha volleyed just wide, while Rooney fired inches over for what would have been a seven-minute hat-trick. Newcastle were unable to get any sort of foothold in midfield and as Manchester United turned on the exhibition stuff, Magpies caretaker-boss Glenn Roeder saw all the confidence built up in a six-match unbeaten run evaporate. It was two minutes before half-time when Newcastle lifted the siege but their first meaningful effort at goal was when Scott Parker's attempted lob sailed wide. Roeder bolstered his midfield with Lee Bowyer and Newcastle at last got a grip on the game but it was a temporary state of affairs as Rooney laid the ball into Cristiano Ronaldo's path and it needed a great save from Given to deny him. Rooney proved he is human as he missed a golden chance for his hat-trick. Sprinting clear he rounded Given but, with the goal at his mercy, he struck the post. It was an improved second half from Newcastle, which went some way to restoring confidence, but Manchester United carried the goal threat and, after Given denied Ji-Sung Park, Saha powered a header over and van Nistelrooy shot wide from 12 yards. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre (Evra 45), Ronaldo (van Nistelrooy 75), O'Shea, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Saha. Subs Not Used: Howard, Vidic, Rossi. Goals: Rooney 8, 12. Newcastle: Given, Ramage, Boumsong, Elliott, Babayaro, Solano (Dyer 65), Parker, Emre, N'Zogbia (Luque 81), Ameobi (Bowyer 45), Shearer. Subs Not Used: Harper, Clark. Booked: Ramage. Att: 67,858 Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).

Ferguson hails 'special' Rooney
Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Wayne Rooney after his two-goal salvo against Newcastle - but felt the England striker should have had a hat-trick. The Manchester United boss saw his side beat the Magpies 2-0 thanks to two goals in four minutes by Rooney. Ferguson said: "How Wayne has not ended up with the match ball I do not know. "It was a marvellous performance. He does not just take chances, he creates them himself with his skill and tenacity. That marks him as special." United had 28 shots at the Newcastle goal during the game and Ferguson knows his side should have scored more. "It sounds glib to say we should have had 10 but we have missed some unbelievable chances," said Ferguson. "It was a fantastic performance but we could have done with the third goal because one for them would have changed the whole picture." Newcastle caretaker manager Glenn Roeder agreed that Rooney had been in unstoppable form. He said: "The beauty of football is you get so much scientific information on players and think you have a way to stop them, someone does something like that. "Wayne cannot yet have come anywhere near fulfilling his potential. In three or four years, there is every chance he could be number one in the world. "Together with Thierry Henry, he is my favourite Premiership striker. I just wish we had him." The only plus point for Roeder was the return of Kieron Dyer from his latest hamstring problem. "We have increased the intensity of his training and after speaking to him yesterday, we decided it would make sense to put him on the bench with a view to getting him on for 25 to 30 minutes," Roeder said. "We have done that and Kieron has said afterwards he was fine."

Ferdinand blasts Uefa over racism
England's Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing attack on Uefa for what he sees as a failure to stamp out racism. He backs a European Parliament resolution calling on referees to be able to abandon matches where supporters make racist taunts. The 28-year-old Manchester United star said: "It is time for Uefa to stop paying lip service to the problem. "Uefa should look at imposing huge fines or deducting points within tournaments or competitions." Fifa imposed a £44,750 fine on the Spanish FA after Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole were the target for monkey chants during last year's friendly with England in Madrid. Ferdinand said: "The fines handed out after the England-Spain game were a joke. "For too long now, European football authorities have not taken the problem of racism in the game seriously and refuse to acknowledge how widespread the problem is. "I talk to a lot of European players and know there are big problems in Spain, in Italy and in Eastern Europe. "Just look at what happened to Samuel Eto'o. He was racially abused against Zaragoza and what happened? Zaragoza were fined a paltry 9000 Euros by the Spanish Football Federation. "If he had reacted to the fans that were abusing him by gesturing to them, he would have been fined a couple of weeks' wages at the very least - but, yet again, nothing happens to the fans that abused him. "If Uefa really is serious about kicking racism into touch it should adopt some of the penalties called for in the (EP) resolution and get on with punishing those who defame the game we all love with their backward, racist views." But Uefa responded to Ferdinand's criticism, with director of communications William Gaillard saying: "I understand the reasons for his frustration because racism is a very ugly phenomenon and I think we need to stamp it out "At the same time I think a professional football player should do a little bit of homework to understand how the game is organised because he quotes two instances - the Spain against England friendly 18 months ago and then the Zaragoza-Barcelona match. "He should know both these games were not under Uefa jurisdiction. All international friendlies are played under Fifa jurisdiction while of course Spanish league games are played under the authority of the Spanish football association. "We cannot interfere. This is just the way the jurisdiction is." Gaillard was keen to highlight the work Uefa is doing to stamp out the problem of racism. He said: "As far as we're concerned we don't feel any limits to what we can do and we have shown that. "Uefa has been relentless in its fight against racism and we're always ready to do more." Meanwhile, a group of European MPs is calling for sound or colour to be switched off during broadcasts of football matches if a racist incident occurs. A total of 423 MEPs have signed a declaration calling on Uefa to urge broadcasters to act against racism. "We understand some media professionals would be willing to experiment with such action," said Labour MEP Claude Moraes, who authored the declaration. "We would encourage the media to use the considerable power they have."

West Brom v Man Utd
West Brom defender Paul Robinson has shaken off a knee injury and will feature, but midfielder Nigel Quashie is still serving a suspension. Zoltan Gera (pelvis) is not quite ready for a return to first-team action. Manchester United defender Wes Brown will miss the trip to The Hawthorns with a groin injury, so Nemanja Vidic is set to take his place at the back. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be hoping for a recall up front, but United are unlikely to rest Wayne Rooney. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom (from): Kuszczak, Kirkland, Albrechtsen, Davies, Watson, Clement, Robinson, Greening, Inamoto, Wallwork, Kamara, Kozak, Campbell, Kanu, Ellington, Carter. Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Howard, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Richardson, Evra, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Saha, Van Nistelrooy, Rossi. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom assistant manager Nigel Pearson: "We came out of last week's game against Birmingham with lots of positives. "What's important is we hit that same level until the end of the season. "If we do that on a regular basis, we'll pick up points. No doubt about that. We can give anybody a problem." Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz: "We need great players but, once in a while, for different circumstances, it does happen that one player doesn't play. "For the last three games it has been Ruud, tomorrow it could be someone else. "But Ruud is part of our family, part of our needs and part of our team and no-one should be in any doubt about that."

West Brom 1-2 Man Utd
Manchester United tightened their grip on second place by beating West Brom, thanks to a double by Louis Saha. The Frenchman gave United an early lead, capitalising on slack West Brom marking to head past Tomasz Kuszczak. Midway through the second half Kuszczak was powerless to stop Saha's clipped finish after a flowing United move. Edwin van der Sar made two great saves in the first half but the Dutchman was finally beaten with 12 minutes to go when Nathan Ellington headed in. Ellington's goal ensured a tense finale, although the visitors were well worth their win. Saha could have a hat-trick when - after another United counter-attack - he had a close-range shot blocked. On another day Wayne Rooney might have had a hat-trick, too. But with the goal at his mercy on three occasions, he was superbly tackled by Martin Albrechtsen, Junichi Inamoto and then Steve Watson. The win moved United five points clear of third-placed Liverpool, who have played a game more than Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Defeat for West Brom and Portsmouth's victory at West Ham leaves the Midlands side facing another nail-biting run-in as they seek to avoid relegation for a second successive season. The in-form Saha had again been preferred to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had only returned to England early on Saturday after his wife suffered a family bereavement. Saha was quickly into his stride, sending in a cross on to the roof of Kuszczak's net. The Frenchman's next contribution proved altogether more deadly as he drifted away from Ronnie Wallwork to plant a header past Kuszczak following Ryan Giggs' corner. Giggs might have added a second when he burst into the box only to be denied by Kuszczak's reaction save. Just before that chance from Giggs, Van der Sar had to make two superb saves to protect United's lead as West Brom finished the opening half strongly. The Dutchman flung himself to his right to tip away Diomansy Kamara's free-kick and then dived the other way to save Davies' powerful header. Kanu replaced the ineffectual Kevin Campbell for the start of the second half and the Nigerian immediately brought more vim to the West Brom attack trying his luck with a speculative shot. West Brom manager Bryan Robson needed to make a further shuffle in attack, bringing on Ellington when Kamara limped off. But as the West Brom attack took time to readjust to those changes, United broke clear to extend their lead with a devastating counter-attack. Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo combined to release Saha, who after quickly controlling the ball, guided his shot past the onrushing Kuszczak Ellington briefly revived West Brom's hopes when he headed in from a corner but West Brom never looked like scoring a second goal after that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom manager Bryan Robson: "We started the game quite well, but the way we gave away the goal was typical of how we have played over the last few matches. "It was a really poor goal to concede and once United get in front they make it really difficult for you. "Somewhere along the line we have to start putting it all together." Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "We all know Ruud van Nistelrooy is a fantastic player and he will get his opportunity again. "But at the moment Louis Saha merits his place in the team at the moment because of his goals and his performances. "It is unfortunate for Ruud but he just has to be patient, which he has been." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom: Kuszczak, Albrechtsen, Watson, Curtis Davies, Robinson, Greening, Kozak (Carter 69), Inamoto, Kamara (Ellington 59), Wallwork, Campbell (Kanu 45). Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Clement. Booked: Robinson. Goals: Ellington 78. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Richardson (Fletcher 89), Giggs, Rooney, Saha. Subs Not Used: Howard, Evra, van Nistelrooy, Rossi. Booked: Richardson, Silvestre, Giggs. Goals: Saha 16, 64. Att: 27,623. Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

Inter eye Henry & Van Nistelrooy
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti has opened the door to a move for Thierry Henry - but admits Ruud van Nistelrooy is a more realistic transfer target. The 28-year-old Henry is discussing a new contract at Arsenal, while Van Nistelrooy, 29, has lost his place to Louis Saha at Manchester United. Moratti said: "Henry is a player I enjoy watching. "The difference between Henry and Van Nistelrooy is I know Van Nistelrooy is not happy in Manchester." Moratti said on the club's website: "I think the Frenchman is happy in London and Arsenal are preparing a contract extension for him. "Hence, they have first choice. It would be a different situation if the player wanted to have another experience elsewhere." Henry's Arsenal deal expires in the summer of 2007 and he has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Arsenal are hoping he will sign an extension - but if he fails to agree a new deal his fee will fall next season. Moratti said: "We wouldn't take advantage of this as it wouldn't be an honourable move. We don't do this between big clubs." Henry had an unsuccessful stint with Juventus in 1998-99, but is now among the world's most prized stars. United are adamant Van Nistelrooy will not be sold in the summer, but Moratti believes he would be a more attainable target. "Van Nistelrooy is a very good forward," Moratti told www.gazzetta.it.

Solskjaer to be offered new deal
Manchester United are ready to offer injury-hit striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a new Old Trafford contract. The Norwegian forward has been sidelined for the best part of three seasons and is currently recovering from a broken cheekbone. But United are set to offer the 33-year-old a pay-as-you-play deal. Chief executive David Gill told the Manchester Evening News: "We want to keep Ole at the club and we are going to sort that out." Solskjaer's goal won the 1999 European Cup for United and he has battled his way back from two serious knee injuries. Gill revealed United are willing to repay his efforts with a new deal. He added: "He has been a fantastic player for us and a fantastic individual. "I know he wants to stay and I am sure something will be sorted out. "We have to make sure any deal reflects the situation and that it is appropriate. "Both parties want to make it work and I am sure we will."

Man Utd 3-0 Birmingham
Ryan Giggs inflicted more misery on struggling Birmingham as Manchester United coasted to a comfortable victory at Old Trafford. Birmingham keeper Maik Taylor was only able to help the Welshman's free-kick over the line as United broke the deadlock in the third minute. Giggs then latched onto a through ball from Wayne Rooney to tuck in a second after 15 minutes. Rooney sealed the win, racing through to score with eight minutes left. The game was watched by a Premiership record attendance of 69,070. Managers' match reaction Less than a week after being hit for seven by Liverpool in the FA Cup, a trip to Old Trafford would have been an unappetising prospect for Steve Bruce's relegation-threatened Blues. Their worst fears were realised inside three minutes when Martin Latka brought Cristiano Ronaldo down 25 yards out. With Ronaldo and Rooney hovering over the ball, Giggs hit a precise shot that Taylor was only able to tip onto the inside of the post and into the net. The Blues would have to be credited for the battling spirit they showed afterwards. While capitulation at the end of their week from hell would have been understandable, they went in search of a way back into the game. Edwin van der Sar had to react smartly to tip Emile Heskey's header wide and DJ Campbell also tested the United keeper. But the abiding memory of the first half an hour will have been United's dynamic play with Rooney and Ronaldo in their element as they displayed some devastating footwork. Rooney's passing and movement was exemplary and, after being fed by Giggs, he hit a perfectly weighted pass to the Welshman who did the simple bit and tucked home the second with 15 minutes on the clock. Rooney should have got on the scoresheet himself but squandered two clear-cut chances after being put through by Ronaldo. While never looking in danger of allowing a Birmingham comeback to spoil skipper Gary Neville's 500th appearance for the club, United did lack the zip after the break that had characterised their first-half efforts. Birmingham enjoyed more possession but despite earning plenty of corners and applying some pressure, they could not find a way back into the game. Stephen Clemence did fire narrowly wide but his effort, from long distance, was characteristic of the Blues' afternoon. Then Rooney raced through and was not going to make a third mistake as he fired the ball past Taylor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Giggs (Fletcher 77), Richardson (Park 39), Rooney, Saha (van Nistelrooy 73). Subs Not Used: Howard, Evra. Goals: Maik Taylor 3 og, Giggs 15, Rooney 83. Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Melchiot (Tebily 82), Cunningham, Latka, Lazaridis (Bruce 87), Jarosik, Clemence, Johnson, Pennant, Heskey (Kilkenny 87), Campbell. Subs Not Used: Vaesen, Forssell. Booked: Latka, Jarosik, Pennant. Att: 69,070 Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

Dutch coach backs Van Nistelrooy
Holland coach Marco van Basten has told Ruud van Nistelrooy he will be in his World Cup squad regardless of the situation at Manchester United. The 29-year-old striker has been on the bench for United's last five games, although he has been tipped for a recall against West Ham on Wednesday. Van Basten told Dutch magazine Voetbal: "I made clear to him that he should not worry about his place. "I think he'll get more playing time. If not, that's also no problem." United go into the match against West Ham looking for a seventh consecutive Premiership win but manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted he may make changes to his team. And in his programme noted for Wednesday's game, he added: "It has not been easy for Ruud sitting on the bench. "However, it has been impossible to leave Louis Saha out since the Carling Cup final, given his tremendous scoring form. "Playing three strikers is possible in some games - but not always because it can leave the wrong balance. "The one thing that is certain is that all three will play their part and help us maintain the momentum." Van Nistelrooy is the joint leading scorer in the Premiership this season with 19 goals.

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