RUUD FOR LIFE

Last updated : 06 August 2003 By Editor

Fergie wants Ruud to be offered a new contract to bring him up to line with the big earners at Old Trafford. He also believes Ruud will be able to produce the goods for "six more years at least".

Ferguson also believes RVN's commitment and dedication will elevate him to being one of the world's greatest. In fact the day after United clinched the title Ruud was the only player to turn up at training the next day.

"He arrived in the morning and practised for an hour and a half by himself, which tells you everything about him," he said.

"His form puts him alongside Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Ronaldo in that collection of truly world-class players and being recognised as the best will come as time goes on. When he joined I saw similarities with Marco van Basten and we could be unveiling a statue of him one day."