Ruud marks return with winner
It was the Dutchman’s 149th Red Devils strike, his 23rd of the season, and it steered United to a seventh successive Premiership win, closing the gap on leaders Chelsea to nine points.
But, for Van Nistelrooy, the effort will have meant much, much more.
After preferring Louis Saha to Van Nistelrooy ever since the French forward’s inclusion in last month’s Carling Cup win over Wigan, Alex Ferguson justified maintaining the status quo by pointing to a succession of excellent results.
The dilemma now facing United’s manager as he assesses the make-up of what constitutes his full-strength side was encapsulated during an opening period in which West Ham served notice of their own attributes without really testing Edwin van der Sar as much as they might have.
With Saha leading their attack, United have been free-flowing, smooth and exciting. The Frenchman’s link play and ability to hold the ball up generates a momentum Van Nistelrooy alone cannot create.
It was certainly not solely the Dutchman’s fault but for large periods the hosts were ponderous and it took the lung-busting charges of Park Ji-Sung to bring them to life.
What Van Nistelrooy does possess though, probably more than any other striker in the Premiership, is an eye for goal.
After spending all that time on the bench and another fruitless 45 minutes waiting for an opportunity, there could have been no criticism had he failed to turn home Park’s injury-time cut-back.
As it was, once the South Korean had hurdled Paul Konchesky’s attempt to chop him down and reached the byline, Van Nistelrooy swept home in the clinical fashion United fans are so accustomed to.
The goal was harsh on West Ham, who were the Red Devils’ equals for long periods.
Had Dean Ashton turned home Lionel Scaloni’s fierce drive inside the opening five minutes, the Hammers could have been looking at their third win in the north-west in 10 days.
As it was, United gradually emerged from their shell and, while not finding the fluidity of recent weeks, at least forced some sustained pressure, taking their cue from the departure of referee Graham Poll with a hamstring injury midway through the half.
Park was the inspiration. One of five changes to the side that defeated Birmingham on Sunday, the South Korean was at his energetic best and was a threat to the visitors every time he received possession.
Having gained the advantage, United continued to push forward after half-time but seemed to lack conviction.
After lots of possession but no chances, Rooney eventually hit the crossbar with an acrobatic volley after Cristiano Ronaldo had crossed.
Saha was introduced for Ronaldo three minutes from time and might have scored as well had his curling shot not flicked off Daniel Gabbidon’s back.
However, this was Van Nistelrooy’s night and he will not expect to be dropped again.
: Van der Sar, O’Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra (Silvestre 78), Ronaldo (Saha 87), Fletcher (Giggs 69), Pique, Park, van Nistelrooy, Rooney.
: Hislop, Scaloni (Ferdinand 67), Collins, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington (Zamora 80), Ashton (Sheringham 80), Harewood.
: G Poll (Hertfordshire).
: The Coca-Cola Football League Championship: QPR 1 Stoke 2
: Boston 1 Chester 3.
: Swansea 2 Wrexham 1.
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