Ruud blow for Ferguson after five-goal rout

IF Alex Ferguson was able to offer a Christmas toast to five goals and three points at Old Trafford, then news that Ruud van Nistelrooy will be out for up to six weeks must have left the Scot nursing a very nasty hangover.

Ferguson had no sooner emerged from the Manchester United dressing room jubilant at his team’s biggest win of their inconsistent Premiership season than he was delivering the sobering news about his star striker.

Ferguson revealed the scan on a calf problem that has troubled van Nistelrooy for the best part of two months has now worked its way into his Achilles, a problem that requires a minimum of a month’s rest and probably longer.