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
TOP 10 | Wayne Rooney is a regular presence in our countdown of United's best FA Cup fourth-round goals...
Read every word from the second part of Amorim's press conference, as we welcome Van Nistelrooy back.
TOP 20 | From Ruud to Robin, Memphis to Daley, men from the Netherlands have scored some of our greatest-ever goals…
All The Goals | Watch Ruud van Nistelrooy's 150 United finishes to remind yourself of his greatness...
1 October 2005: Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney shone in this five-goal thriller at Craven Cottage...
An update on Ruud van Nistelrooy and three members of staff.
The skipper explains to MUTV about the details behind the scenes over the four-game period.
Ruud van Nistelrooy responds to a special way to sign off his four games in interim charge.
Ruud van Nistelrooy runs us through how he’s feeling after his final game as interim boss…
Ruud van Nistelrooy was the man of the moment at full-time, as he signed off his interim spell with a win...
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS | Van Nistelrooy on the test Leicester will pose and why Amad plays instead of Garnacho…
Ruud makes three changes for the home game against Leicester City.
On the day he hits 250 United appearances, Fernandes's qualities are flagged by Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Press conference part two | Get the latest from Ruud by watching the second half of his pre-Leicester media briefing...
Ruud's Q&A | Van Nistelrooy says Sunday's game against Leicester, his final as United's interim boss, will be special...