Ruud To The Reserves?


By David Hobbs
March 10 2005

Lou Macari sees no harm in striker Ruud van Nistelrooy featuring in a couple of Reserve games in order to win the full match fitness the Old Trafford faithful demand from the Dutchman. The former United star says he and his team-mates did it, and sees no reason why van Nistelrooy can't.

Hobbs in Trouble

Ruud To The Reserves?

Former Manchester United star Lou Macari sees no harm in striker Ruud van Nistelrooy featuring in a couple of Reserve games in order to win the full match fitness the Old Trafford faithful demand from the Dutchman.

The Dutchman was used as scapegoat for the Red Devils' Champions League exit to AC Milan for missing several chances, many of which would have been converted if he was at tip-top condition.

Fans lofted most of the blame on Sir Alex Ferguson for the Dutchman's inclusion, having only played 2 games since being on the sidelines for 3 months with an Achilles injury.

Macari recalled played a few Reserve games during his time at United in order to win back fitness, and doesn't know why van Nistelrooy can do the same. He stated: "Ruud has been fantastic in Europe but he was out for a long time and he really lacked fitness for a big game like Milan"

"I can’t understand why a couple of reserve games just haven’t been on the itinerary for him"

"You can stroll through a reserve game and get 90 minutes of fitness under your belt"

"When I was playing, you needed three or four reserve games before you went back into the first team. But Ruud had none"

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