United romp ahead without Ruud

Koen Freriks

8 mei 2006, 09:20

Ruud van Nistelrooy's Manchester United future should be determined within the next 48 hours by a conversation between Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill.

Van Nistelrooy's decision to drive away from Old Trafford three hours before Sunday's 4-0 home win over Charlton was very ill-advised if the Dutchman felt he was part of Ferguson's long-term plans.

More likely, the move was the final act before what seems certain to be a summer parting of the ways between the 29-year-old and the club. Ferguson said: "This was such an important game for us, I just wanted everyone together so I felt Ruud should be left out of the team. I do not need to say anything else about it. I will discuss it with the directors this week."