Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Ruud feels let down

07 Sep 2006 - 08:25:55

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Ruud van Nistelrooy feels he was let down by Sir Alex Ferguson during the closing stages of his Manchester United career.

The Netherlands striker joined Real Madrid in a £10.5million summer deal after a well publicised bust-up with Ferguson prompted him to hand in a transfer request.

The 30-year-old, who scored 150 times in just 219 appearances for United, claims the dispute started when he was left out of the team for the Carling Cup final against Wigan.

Van Nistelrooy said: "The first three-quarters of last season went well for me but the final part is best forgotten.

"My situation with Sir Alex started to change and it became difficult for me and him to work together.

"I had previously had a marvellous relationship with him. But in February we played the Carling Cup final against Wigan and I remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

"To me this felt like a stab in the back."