Ruud return on hold against Milan

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be left on the bench tonight as Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hands Wayne Rooney a lone striking role in the Champions League match against AC Milan at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman’s phenomenal goalscoring record in Europe – 36 goals in 37 games - was not enough to override fitness concerns following three months out with an Achilles injury.