Ruud
van Nistelrooy
- Appearances219
- Total goals150
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.
Forward
Netherlands
1 Jul 1976
1 Jul 2001
12 Aug 2001
v Liverpool (N) Charity Shield
28 Jul 2006
Goal of the Day | On 22 May 2004, van Nistelrooy scored two in our FA Cup final win v Millwall - watch his second...
The recent Overlap chat between the two former Reds threw up some very interesting stories.
UTD Podcast | Here's another chance to watch all of Ruud's classic episode, recorded in April 2021...
Get the lowdown from Gary Neville's quickfire questions to the great van Nistelrooy.
All The Goals | Watch Ruud van Nistelrooy's 150 United finishes to remind yourself of his greatness...
Goal of the Day | On 22 March 2003, Ruud van Nistlelrooy danced through to score this superb solo effort v Fulham...
Why Marcus is clear on his own when it comes to one particular goalscoring feat.
Ruud, Ronaldo and Rooney are among the former United strikers to enjoy similar purple patches in front of goal.
Goal of the Day | Ruud van Nistelrooy's late header helped United secure all three points at Goodison, in February 2004
You need to read why Gary and Paul are at odds about Ruud in the latest episode of The Debate.
Goal of the Day | Ruud van Nistelrooy scored our first goal at the St Mary's Stadium during our 3-1 win there in 2001...
Find out why the two former Reds were briefly reunited on Tuesday night.
We recall how the Reds have fared in the first game of every league season since 1992.
This equaliser at Newcastle was one of 23 league goals Ruud scored in 01/02. Enjoy them all now via our PL Collection...
Reds of past and present have been challenged by the demanding process that comes with a long-term injury or illness.