Ruud
van Nistelrooy
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Appearances219
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Total goals150
Ruud
Biography
A prolific goal-getter, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s scoring exploits at Old Trafford have safeguarded his place in United folklore.
The Dutchman struck 100 goals in his first three seasons in Manchester. He overtook United legend Denis Law’s title as the club's all-time top scorer in European competition in his fourth term, and by the end of his fifth year at Old Trafford he’d reached 150 goals in fewer than 200 starts.
United initially had to be patient to get their man, however. Ruud marked his 22nd birthday by signing for PSV Eindhoven from Heerenveen for £4.2million, a then record fee between Dutch clubs.
His first league goal for PSV came against his former club in August 1998, and his international debut for Holland followed in November that year in a 1-1 draw with Germany. In two seasons Ruud notched 60 goals for PSV, alerting Europe’s top clubs, including United and Real Madrid.
Sir Alex was determined to sign van Nistelrooy. So much so, he kept in contact with the player for a year as he recovered from the cruciate knee ligament injury Ruud suffered whilst training with PSV. The setback came days after failing a medical with United in April 2000. After a remarkable recovery, he finally signed for the Reds on 23 April 2001 for £19m.
Ruud netted 36 goals in his debut season, a frightening achievement that was incredibly eclipsed in the 2002/03 season as he scored 44 times to inspire United to the Premiership title. Another 30 goals followed in his third season.
Injury ruined his 2004/05 campaign, although he still scored 16 goals in 27 appearances and finished top scorer in the Champions League with eight goals.
The 2005/06 campaign was also tempered with disappointment. Ten goals in 12 games saw Ruud get off to a flyer. By December he had 17 goals from 26 starts. But the return to form and fitness of Louis Saha saw van Nistelrooy edged out of the side.
He was an unused substitute in the Carling Cup final win and wasn’t included in the squad to face Charlton on the final day of the season, with Sir Alex citing issues around “the spirit of the club” as the reason for Ruud’s exclusion.
The Dutch striker left Old Trafford in the summer of 2006 and headed to Spain to join Real Madrid.
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Position
Forward
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Country
Netherlands
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Date of birth
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Joined
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United debut
v Liverpool (N) Charity Shield
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Left United
Latest
Was this van Nistelrooy's best United goal? video
Ruud van Nistelrooy wasn't known for spectacular goals, but this effort against Fulham in 2003 was extraordinary...
Goal of the Day: van Nistelrooy v Aston Villa video
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s chest-and-volley drew United level, on a memorable night at Villa Park in 2002…
Rashford matches Ruud record Article
On an otherwise disappointing night at Old Trafford, our no.10 kept up his fine recent goalscoring exploits in Europe.
Ruud, Robin, Zlatan... and now Bruno! Article
Find out why our Portuguese magnifico is listed alongside some of Old Trafford's greatest-ever strikers.
Rashford leads the way ahead of Istanbul clash Article
Andy Cole tells us what Marcus needs to do to continue moving up the rankings of Champions League scorers.
CL hat-tricks: van Nistelrooy v Sparta Prague video
Ruud van Nistelrooy provided our fourth Champions League hat-trick in typical style, against Sparta Prague in 2004...
Goal of the Day: van Nistelrooy v Leicester video
Ruud's second strike was the pick of the bunch as he netted a hat-trick on this day in 2003...
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy v Aston Villa video
Today's selection comes courtesy of @HiteshDash, who has chosen this classic poacher's finish from Ruud...
Who has Martial joined in the 50-goal club? Article
The Frenchman became the 10th Red to score 50 times in the Premier League, but who else has reached the mark?
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy v Fulham video
Ruud's wonderful solo effort against Fulham has been selected by @r4ffers as our latest Goal of the Day...
Watch in full: United 5 Newcastle 3 video
Did you miss Saturday's live stream? Then enjoy the on-demand version of a classic win, starring van Nistelrooy...
Red Idols: Ruud van Nistelrooy Article
United fan and journalist Sam Carney pays tribute to the most ruthless of penalty box predators.
Match Rewind: Ruud Classics Article
The prolific Dutch striker is the star of our latest 'Match Rewind'. Which of his best games will you vote for?
Dream United Team: France v Holland Article
Two of the Reds' most represented nations go head-to-head in our latest six-a-side clash.
Seven German sides United have faced Article
As the Bundesliga resumes, we take a look at the German clubs we've met - and where they're playing this weekend.