Gill: We're still Van fans

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has dismissed suggestions that Ruud van Nistelrooy is unhappy with life at Old Trafford as ’mischief making’.

Van Nistelrooy has been left on the bench by Alex Ferguson for United’s last four games and is again expected to be overlooked in favour of in-form Louis Saha for Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter with Birmingham in the Barclays Premiership.

The Dutchman’s continued absence has fuelled speculation about his long-term United future and Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti fanned the flames even further yesterday by openly claiming he knew ’Van Nistelrooy is not happy in Manchester’.

Last weekend, Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz were at pains to stress Van Nistelrooy remained a long-term member of the Red Devils squad. And Gill has backed up the assertion.

“Sir Alex and Carlos made their views known last week and I can only reiterate what they said,” stressed Gill.

“Ruud has a two-year contract with Manchester United and remains very much part of our long-term planning.

“I saw what came out of Italy yesterday but as far as I am concerned, it is just mischief making.”

Van Nistelroy is yet to break his silence on his current situation, although, after scoring 148 goals in less than five seasons at Old Trafford, there will be no shortage of takers should he decide to leave.

It appears such a move is not on the horizon as far as the club are concerned, although, it is difficult to see the 29-year-old wishing to spend too much time sitting on the bench.