Ruud ‘proud’ to join Reds legends
The Dutch striker equalled Denis Law's European record of 28 goals for the club in the 2-0 Champions League defeat of Stuttgart.
That victory propelled United to the top of Group E and a place among the seeds tomorrow when the draw for the first knockout stage is made.
Van Nistelrooy has much to do with the club's success at home and abroad. Since arriving from PSV Eindhoven for £19 million in 2001, he has scored 95 goals in 122 appearances.
That astonishing statistic has marked him down as one of the best finishers in Europe. Yet he seems almost embarrassed to be compared to former Scotland striker Law, who is recovering from prostate cancer.
While it took Law 33 matches to achieve his tally, van Nistelrooy managed it in 30 games.
"I am proud I have equalled a player like Denis Law," said van Nistelrooy. "I hear a lot of stories about him, how good he was.
"I respect him so much, what he achieved and the way he is.
"I have seen some tapes of him. But I only have to look at his record that says enough.
"You look at the great history of this club, all those players, they are still heroes here. It's great to level a record like that, fantastic for me. All I can do is my best and that what I have to do every week."
Van Nistelrooy's scoring achievements are all the more remarkable considering he suffered a serious knee injury that delayed his arrival at Old Trafford.
During his rehabilitation he worked on his upper body. "I had time to create a new physical van Nistelrooy," he said. "My body changed completely. It is a different posture. I became stronger and faster."
That strength was apparent against Bundesliga high-fliers Stuttgart when he shrugged off three players to set up the second goal for Ryan Giggs.
"Giggsy created one for me and I thought if I could do the same for him, it would be nice, " said van Nistelrooy. "He deserved it as he is a fantastic player.
"Our play was outstanding we created many chances and didn't give anything away. "That's the way we are playing at the moment and it is good to be part of that."
By finishing top of the group United will avoid some of the other big guns and van Nistelrooy is delighted.
"The good thing is we can't draw Juventus, AC Milan or Real Madrid, " he said.
"That is positive. That's what we wanted. We are happy with that."
Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson is going to offer teenage winger Cristiano Ronaldo a three-week winter break but the Portuguese youngster may have to wait until after Christmas for his holiday.
Ronaldo burst onto the Premiership scene with a memorable debut against Bolton in August and is viewed as an exciting prospect for the future by the United boss.
Ferguson is keen to limit Ronaldo's appearances this term and opted to leave him out of last night's Champions League encounter with Stuttgart despite his hefty £12.24m transfer fee.
The 18-year-old will probably be back in the Red Devils squad for Saturday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford and with the busy festive period looming, Ferguson admitted he needs as many of his players on hand as possible as United look to enhance their Premier League title prospects.
However, the long-term intention is to give Ronaldo some time off in an effort to ensure he is fresh again for the season's end.
"He is only 18 and we have to be careful how we use him," said Ferguson.
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