Ruud pays tribute to Magpies boss
After a domestic high and a foreign low within the last week, Manchester United travel to one of their least favourite grounds of recent times tomorrow.
St James’ Park in Newcastle is an intimidating place at the best of times, but Alex Ferguson’s lads will feel that only victory will do if they are to beat Arsenal to the Premiership title.
It is four years since Manchester United last beat Newcastle in the north-east, when Andy Cole scored in a 2-1 win as they advanced to the treble, but with Ruud van Nistelrooy in such sparkling form – he needs one more goal to match last season’s 36 in all competitions – confidence should be high.
Van Nistelrooy played under Bobby Robson at PSV Eindhoven for a season and enthused about the Newcastle boss.
“He’s a great manager,” said the Dutchman on United’s official website. “The years that he’s been with Newcastle now and the clubs that he had previously, it’s amazing what he’s achieved. It was a privilege to work with him for that one year at PSV Eindhoven.
“He has put together a great team. Everyone knows that Bellamy and Shearer are a great duo up front, then there’s Dyer and Jenas who come in from midfield to make great runs into our box.
“Robert’s on the left – he’s a good striker of the ball and a good crosser. That makes them a complete team.”
Newcastle will be particularly wary of the Dutch striker after his hat-trick in the 5-3 victory by Ferguson’s men at Old Trafford.
Ferguson will not be able to pick Juan Sebastian Veron, who is out with knee ligament damage, while David Beckham is doubtful with a hamstring strain that he picked up against Real Madrid.
