Fergie may rest Ruud until European campaign

Alex Ferguson is willing to write Ruud van Nistelrooy out of Manchester United’s Premiership title push for the next two months to ensure he is ready for their assault on Europe.

Van Nistelrooy has been sent for a scan on the calf problem which first surfaced six weeks ago and has kept the former PSV Eindhoven striker sidelined for the last five games, after being substituted in the previous three.

Despite the rest, Ferguson is no nearer learning the extent of the injury and is fearful of causing further damage which may affect van Nistelrooy’s Achilles.

And though his side’s title ambitions are hanging by a thread following Monday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham, Ferguson is looking towards the mouth-watering Champions League clash with six-time champions AC Milan in February as the time he really wants van Nistelrooy available.

“Ruud’s injury has not cleared up,” admitted Ferguson. “There is a bit of concern because he is the best striker in the business and we want him back, particularly with the European campaign coming.

“Hopefully, we will have a better idea once he has seen the specialist because at the moment we just don’t know and that is concerning.

“He has been patient and so have we, but we have reached the stage now where we have to get to the root of the problem.”

With van Nistelrooy in the side this season, United have won seven of their nine Premiership matches. Without him their record is just two wins from eight.

Van Nistelrooy’s contribution in Europe is even more startling. With 36 goals in 37 European appearances, he has eclipsed Denis Law’s club record and the 28-year-old stands behind only Real Madrid’s Raul in the Champions League standings.

But, while his presence will be required if United are to stand any chance of finding a way past Jaap Stam and Paulo Maldini, Ferguson is more than happy to let seven-goal Alan Smith lead the line against Crystal Palace tomorrow.

Ferguson was thrilled by Smith’s effort at Craven Cottage on Monday, including the tackle on Sylvain Legwinski which set up his goal.

And though the former Leeds man has picked up a foot injury in training, he should be fit to face Iain Dowie’s men – with the praise of his manager ringing in his ears.

“Alan has been a real hero for us,” said Ferguson. “Only the old fashioned type of forward gets that kind of goal. Forwards like Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo can manufacture goals by beating men – but there are very few who can create one with a tackle like that.

“I can’t be speak more highly of him for what he has done and he won’t be phased by having to lead the line.”

With Gabriel Heinze and Cristiano Ronaldo handed a long-awaited break, Ferguson is committed to making changes, with John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher favourites to fill the vacancies.

Ferguson admitted the Fulham result was a major setback but took solace from his team’s overall performance, believing the outcome may shock his team into greater achievement.

“I think the players were shocked by the result on Monday,” he said. “We produced some fantastic football. But because they were only one goal behind we gave them a platform to work from and they were able to knock the momentum from our game.

“When you don’t take your opportunities, you almost sense you are going to lose a goal and it was very disappointing to drop those two points.

“The one consolation is that there is a consistency about our game now and hopefully what happened on Monday will be the spur to give us that extra push.”