Fergie and Ruud take monthly awards

Alex Ferguson and Ruud van Nistelrooy have scooped the Barclaycard manager and player of the month awards for April.

In a month where United moved closer to the title with wins over Liverpool (4-0), Newcastle (6-2), Blackburn (3-1), Tottenham Hotspur (2-0) and a draw against fellow title contenders Arsenal (2-2), Ferguson and van Nistelrooy have secured a double for the Old Trafford club.

Van Nistelrooy has now won the award for the third time and Ferguson a record 14 times.

Nic Gault, of Barclaycard Awards Panel, said: “The two award recipients exemplify United’s dogged determination and never-say- die spirit.

“They have closed the gap that Arsenal enjoyed just a few weeks ago and now have the destiny of the title in their own hands.

“Sir Alex Ferguson has been the driving force behind their great run off the field while Ruud has been, without doubt, the driving force on the pitch with six goals in the month.”