Ferguson strikes it lucky with rotation policy

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson admits he has struck it lucky with his striker rotation policy over the last few weeks.

Ferguson has not looked back since axing Ruud van Nistelrooy for the Carling Cup final on February 26, opting to play Louis Saha alongside Wayne Rooney.

The France international responded with the second goal in the 4-0 rout of Wigan, retaining his place in the starting XI for the next four wins in the Premiership.

Ferguson eventually restored van Nistelrooy to the side for the Old Trafford clash against West Ham, with the Dutchman scoring the only goal on a night he also wore the captain’s armband.

Surprisingly, van Nistelrooy was again named as a substitute for the victory at Bolton, but stepped off the bench to net the winner in a 2-1 triumph.

On Sunday at home to Arsenal, van Nistelrooy started but was replaced by Saha just after the hour, with both men playing their part in a 2-0 success that extended United’s winning league run to seven matches.

For the remaining five games of the season Ferguson will continue to swap and change, to such an extent Wayne Rooney may even be rested for tomorrow’s visit of Sunderland.

“I got it right against Arsenal,” reflected Ferguson.

“I won’t always get it right. You are talking about little details and it is very difficult. On Sunday I felt Ruud van Nistelrooy always has a point to prove against Arsenal.”