Queiroz: Ruud still part of United’s plans

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has been assured he remains part of Manchester United’s long-term plans.

The Dutchman has been on the bench for United’s last three games, starting with last month’s Carling Cup Final defeat to Wigan. He seems sure to be among the substitutes for today’s Barclays Premiership trip to West Brom as Louis Saha continues to excel in attack alongside Wayne Rooney.

Van Nistelrooy’s continued absence has fuelled speculation over a summer move away from Old Trafford, with Tottenham and Newcastle already linked with the prolific striker. He is just two goals away from becoming only the eighth player in United history to score 150 goals for the club.

Having spent much of the last three years insisting he wants to see out his career at United, the 29-year-old has so far kept his counsel over his current situation.

But, for the first time, the Red Devils have admitted talking with the former PSV Eindhoven star to prove he is still viewed as a long-term asset.

United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz said: “Situations like this are nothing new to us.

“You can only select 11 players at once and when you have a 23-man squad, it is a daily job to speak with those who are not in the team.

“What we need to do is show our commitment to Ruud and our appreciation of him.

“It has been spelt out. He is part of our plans in the short, medium and long term.

“We need great players but, once in a while, for different circumstances, it does happen that one player doesn’t play.”

It has been suggested that Van Nistelrooy has not handled the last couple of weeks well and his mental struggles will only have increased following a family bereavement midweek.

With Sir Alex Ferguson missing for most the week, initially on club business in Dubai, then attending George Best’s memorial service on Thursday and finally Jimmy Johnstone’s funeral in Glasgow, Queiroz’s positive assessment of Van Nistelrooy’s performances in training this week could be a major factor in whether he is recalled or not.

“It has been a difficult week for Ruud but from a professional perspective he has done well and shown the same enthusiasm and commitment in training as he always does,” said Queiroz.

One potential avenue for a Van Nistelrooy return appears to have been blocked off, with Queiroz scotching talk Rooney could be rested.

The youngster is set to play a major role in England’s World Cup campaign this summer.

But Queiroz is convinced the remaining 10 games of United’s domestic programme should not represent a problem to the £27 million (38.9m) star.

“I understand the concerns about Wayne from the perspective of the England team but as a Manchester United coach, I am just concerned about his performance for us.”