Thierry and I so different,insists Ruud

RUUD van Nistelrooy claims it is impossible to compare him with Barclaycard Premiership rival Thierry Henry because they are such different players.

The Dutchman’s team-mate Louis Saha reignited the debate over which striker is the best in the Premier League by saying that Henry is a better all-round player.

But van Nistelrooy, who should be available for Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final against Henry’s Arsenal on Saturday despite a minor knee injury, refuses to enter the debate.

“People often try to compare both of us but I think it is difficult as we are a very different type of player.I feel closer to David Trezeguet, who is a more typical number nine. On the pitch Thierry is everywhere and that’s what makes him special. He is a really versatile player.”

He also highlighted the importance of Les Bleus’ Arsenal trio in their bid to retain the European Championships.

“They won all their qualification matches and Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira are the heart of this team. They are the three men that make the difference. Vieira is ever-present in the midfield. He a powerful leader, but also a very good footballer. Pires is a creator. Thierry is the key man, an incredible athlete.”

Meanwhile Saha denied having a swipe at the Dutchman, claiming comments in an interview were taken out of context.

The former Fulham ace was quoted as saying the Dutchman “doesn’t take much of a part in the team’s collective play” and “needs experience at the highest level”.

“When you say one is quicker than other it doesn’t mean he is slow. I am not pleased the journalist turned the interview around and just said the bad thing,” said Saha.

“I am not happy the way they have turned the thing around, especially as the game is coming pretty soon.”

The former Metz and Newcastle marksman also believes United have a good chance of advancing in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal despite failing to beat The Gunners this term.

“Definitely, we have belief after that game,” he added. “It is going to be tough, obviously. Villa Park will be a different story to Highbury and hopefully a good game for the fans and a win for Manchester.”

French strikers Sylvain Wiltord and Jeremie Aliadiere will be available. Wiltord, who has missed 22 games with an ankle injury since December 16, may be on his way out of Highbury in the summer having refused to sign a new contract, but could still have a key part to play in the run-in.

He was on target in his comeback game for Arsenal reserves against Luton while Aliadiere celebrated his 21st birthday in Tilburg by scoring the France U-21 side’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Holland.