Ruud Plays Down Rift Following Final Exclusion

Ruud, Ruud, Ruud
By Chris O'Brien
March 11 2006

Manchester United forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been quick to squash speculation that there is a 'rift' between himself and manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Dutchman is said to be irate at playing no part in Sunday's League Cup final, but insists all is well between him and the Scotsman.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has played down speculation of a rift with Sir Alex Ferguson, following his omission from United team for the League Cup final.

There was surprise when the United forward was only named amongst the substitutes as the Red Devils cruised to a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the Millennium Stadium. Louis Saha, who found the target, was preferred in attack to the Dutchman who looked desponded as the team celebrated another triumph after the full-time whistle.

"The manager told me before the game that I wasn't playing," he said. "I was very disappointed but I could understand why he wanted to play Louis because he has been playing very well in the competition this season."

After celebrating the first two goals with the rest of the team, Van Nistelrooy started to look increasingly frustrated as the game wore on. Having only recently revealed his disappointment at a lack of medals since moving to Old Trafford, seeing Patrice Evra, Kieran Richardson and Nemanja Vidic all introduced from the bench will have hurt the prolific forward who has netted an amazing 148 goals in the red jersey.

"I've heard suggestions I was acting when celebrating. Well, if I was, then I'm the best actor in Holland. I was very happy for the team and there is no problem between me and the manager.

"I've scored a lot of goals this season and feel I've been playing well and I hope to be back in the team to play Wigan on Monday. I expect to play the league matches."