Ruud first and fourmost

Man Utd 4 Sparta Prague 1

Ferguson's misfiring side have found the net just 11 times in the Premiership but thanks to van Nistelrooy's one-man super show, they have now eclipsed that number in just four Champions League outings.

In restoring the prolific Dutchman to his starting line-up following his recent domestic ban, Ferguson hoped all his side's chances would fall at van Nistelrooy's magical feet.