Soccer: Ruud salutes Old Trafford faithful

Ruud van Nistelrooy offered a ‘‘big thank you’’ to Manchester United’s fans after being named the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year.

The Dutchman beat off the challenge of Robert Pires, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Thierry Henry to claim the prestigious award last night in London.