Van Nistelrooy Praises Fans' Support

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed that the roar of a buzzing Old Trafford will spur him on to recover from injury and get into his goalscoring groove once again.

The Dutchman spent 20 games, about 3 months, on the sidelines with a nagging Achilles problem but is just focused on reviving his season and helping the Red Devils in the Premiership and the return Champions League Leg against AC Milan.

The 28-year-old said: "When you walk out and get a reception like that it is difficult to describe. I am very thankful to United's fans. I was so happy just to be back and able to play."

"It's great to get a reception like that and it makes you want to go out and give it everything - it's what you play football for."

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the striker will start the next game against Crystal Palace in the run up to the trip to Italy earlier this week. The Dutchman himself admitted he needs games.

He added: "I need more games to get myself back to full match fitness. I realised that in my first week of training. But I am working on my fitness in every minute I have in training and on the pitch."