Ruud striking out for perfection

ALMOST two years ago to the day, under the closed roof of the Millennium Stadium, Manchester United launched their latest star signing on an unsuspecting domestic audience. Typically he marked his entrance with a goal.

When he returns to Cardiff tomorrow, no-one in the stadium or watching at home on TV will need to be told who Ruud van Nistelrooy is. In a week when the £13million loss made on Juan Sebastian Veron has left some questioning Alex Ferguson’s transfer record, the brilliance of United’s Dutch master stands as testament to his manager’s judgement.

“He is already a great player and he is still improving. Without doubt he has the potential to become one of the greatest Dutch strikers of all time.”