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
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.
When Ruud scored in 10 straight matches video
See how van Nistelrooy scored in 10 consecutive Premier League games for United, setting a record at the time...
You won't believe how Ruud & Robin were signed! Article
Sir Alex pulled off two masterstrokes in landing our deadly Dutchmen, but both were difficult deals.
Ruud and Robin’s seasons in the sun Article
The Dutch masters played integral, goal-filled roles in title-winning campaigns, 10 years apart.
Van Nistelrooy v Henry: A rivalry for the ages Article
Study the numbers behind a five-season battle for goals, following Scholesy's comments about ruthless Ruud's obsession.
Top 10: Van Nistelrooy's Premier League goals video
All of this van Nistelrooy talk has made us hungry for goals! Let's watch the Dutchman's top 10 in the Premier League...
On this day: Ruud goes solo video
Van Nistelrooy’s sensational individual goal against Fulham at Old Trafford is 17 years old today…
Red Idols: Ruud van Nistelrooy Article
United fan and journalist Sam Carney pays tribute to the most ruthless of penalty box predators.
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy v Everton video
Ruud’s dramatic late winner at Goodison Park in 2004 is our ‘Goal of the Day’ for Saturday…
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy v Man City video
Ruud provided some Valentine's Day love for United fans on this day 16 years ago...
Goal of the Day: van Nistelrooy v Aston Villa video
The week kicks off with our latest ‘Goal of the Day’, when Ruud completed a memorable comeback at Villa Park in 2002…
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy v Man City video
Our latest 'Goal of the Day' comes from Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose header beat Manchester City on this day in 2003...
Goal of the Day: Ruud awakening for Basel Article
Today's strike is a memorable effort by our destructive Dutchman, from 2002...
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy v Basel video
Make sure you watch our Goal of the Day, courtesy of the great Ruud van Nistelrooy during a 2002 trip to FC Basel...
Goal of the Day: Van Nistelrooy at The Valley Article
Ruud's tremendous turn and finish against Charlton in 2005 is our latest Goal of the Day.