Van Nistelrooy has recovered from the cruciate ligament injury which forced his £18.5m move to United to be aborted last year.

Ferguson is seemingly still interested in bringing him to Old Trafford.

Gerets, however, urged Ferguson to make his mind up soon as the uncertainty is creating a "difficult" situation.

He said: "Sir Alex Ferguson knows I'm in a very difficult position. I would like a result of this situation as soon as possible.

"If Ruud stays with us for next season I will be as happy as a young lad of 12.

"If he has to go away I hope there will be a solution in two to three weeks because otherwise it will be difficult for me as coach of PSV.

"Because I respect Sir Alex Ferguson very much, I know he'll want to help me with my problem."

Although he did not score, van Nistelrooy played well enough in PSV's victory over Ajax to suggest he is back to full fitness, if still lacking the sharpness that caught Ferguson's eye initially.

Ferguson's search for another proven scorer has been intensified in the light of United's lack of goals in Europe this season - in contrast to their rampant form in the Premiership - most clearly illustrated last week in their 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich.

Nistelrooy himself was keen to re-assert that his attention was focused entirely on PSV's hunt for a Double triumph in league and cup.

But he said: "It is nice that Sir Alex Ferguson has come to watch a Dutch game. My fitness is fine. There are no problems with the knee.

"The most important thing for me at the moment is PSV winning the double.

"After that, we'll see what happens. Any interested clubs will have to negotiate with PSV."