Following the departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid, ManUtd.com looks back on the Dutch striker's finest goals. Picking 10 from 150 is no mean feat but here, in chronological order, are the first five...

Vs Deportivo La Coruna (UEFA Champions League) 17/10/01
Having given United the lead with an early toe-poke past Depor goalkeeper Jose Molina, Ruud saw his hard work undone as the Spaniards scored twice in two minutes to turn the game on its head. Undeterred, the Dutchman promptly notched his second Champions League goal in Red, forcing his way to the byline before arcing a beautiful chip over the thoroughly thrown Molina. Trademark madness from Fabien Barthez allowed Deportivo to leave Old Trafford with the points, but Ruud had served notice of his intent to terrorise Europe with United.

Vs Southampton (FA Barclays Premiership) 22/12/01
Three days before Christmas, Ruud took advantage of festively generous defending from the Saints to plunder his first United hat-trick. Undoubtedly the finest strike was his first, controlling a long crossfield ball from Paul Scholes before lashing venomously into Paul Jones’ bottom corner. Further strikes, one plundered from close range, the other slid clinically inside the post, gave the Dutchman the match ball. With Ruud in this form and only 30 seconds gone, Saints were fortunate to end up losing only 6-1.

Vs FC Basel (UEFA Champions League) 26/11/02
Undoubtedly one of the most jaw-dropping United goals of recent years. Logic and physics were cast aside as Sir Alex’s favourite predator won the ball near the corner flag, weaved into the area and lashed a powerful shot into the far corner from virtually the Basel byline. It was the Dutchman’s second strike in two minutes, having earlier headed United level, and the most