Fergie: Ruud Most Clinical Striker I´ve Worked With
Sir Alex Ferguson rates Ruud van Nistelrooy as the most clinical finisher he has ever worked with having watched the Dutchman score four against Sparta Prague.
The predatory striker struck all United’s goals against their Group D opponents at Old Trafford – marking his 35th goal in 36 European matches.
Ferguson said after the game: " He’s certainly the best, most clinical finisher we’ve ever seen here.
" His record is unbelievable. It’s amazing. He’s cool with his finishing. He doesn’t panic and he has a quickness of feet as well. You hope all the chances fall to him.
" Going back to all the great strikers in Europe; Cruyff, Gerd Muller, Puskas, Di Stefano. European football has always been a big stage for those players. I think Ruud loves playing on the European stage."
Van Nistelrooy is two games into a three-match domestic suspension, and so hasn’t played since the victory over Arsenal 10 days ago.
Ferguson, who said in his pre-match press conference that he wished every chance would fall to the prolific Dutchman, expected nothing less than the sharpness shown from van Nistelrooy.
" His last game was only ten days ago and he has also trained in that time. There was no problem in that sense. I don’t think we expected anything less than the sharpness we saw tonight.
" It´s a disappointment not to have him for Sunday [against Man City]. But that is why I have a good squad of players. I´ve got Saha, Smith and Wayne Rooney and, whoever I pick, I expect them to perform well."