RECORD BREAKER

"I am here to do well for the team and for the fans. If it means it is a record then OK, but that is not my goal," he insisted.

He hasn't done it yet. His goals in the qualifiers don't count.

"It was a qualifying game against Zalaegerszegi so I think it is 18," he said. "For me, though, it is important just to continue what I am doing."

Van Nistelrooy moved up UEFA's ten-season Champions League scorers list with the goals that sank the Spaniards last night.

The 26-year-old overtook Mario Jardel, Thierry Henry and Filippo Inzaghi to hit fourth spot behind Patrick Kluivert, Alessandro Del Piero and Raul.

Van Nistelrooy has scored an astonishing 20 Euro goals in 21 appearances and had eight to his name with PSV Eindhoven before his £19m transfer.

"I had good confidence going into the Champions League with Manchester United because I'd scored eight with PSV and so I had a good taste of it,"

"The best thing is that we are top of the group going into the winter break and have six points.

It's a great way to end the year in Europe."

Gary Neville also praised United's Dutch hero

"We are always going to score goals with the forwards we have.

"It's a phenomenal record by Ruud. He is definitely the in-form striker in Europe. We are pleased he is on our side because if he gets a chance he scores. His all round play is good as well."