Van Nistelrooy sidelined for United's crucial opening month

MANCHESTER UNITED lost their leading scorer and £300,000 tonight - without playing a match.

While the decision to refund all 15,000 fans who bought tickets for the abandoned Vodafone Cup tie with Urawa Red Diamonds will hurt United in the pocket, the loss of Ruud van Nistelrooy for a month will cause the greater pain.

United confirmed van Nistelrooy will have surgery on a sportsman's hernia next week, keeping the Dutchman out for a month.