Ferguson may rest Ruud until AC clash

ALEX FERGUSON is willing to write Ruud van Nistelrooy out of Manchester United's Premiership title push for the next two months to ensure he is ready for their assault on Europe.

Van Nistelrooy has been sent for a scan on the calf problem which first surfaced six weeks ago and has kept the former PSV Eindhoven striker sidelined for the last five games, after being substituted in the previous three.

Despite the rest, Ferguson is no nearer learning the extent of the injury and is fearful of causing further damage which may affect Van Nistelrooy's Achilles.