'Remember that debate about who is the better striker, Thierry Henry or Ruud van Nistelrooy? It’s not much of a question any more, is it? I’ve seen Van Nistelrooy play three times since he’s come back from injury and he reminds me of Michael Owen at the end of his Liverpool career. There’s uncertainty about the future there, some disillusionment perhaps.
I think Manchester United will sell him in the summer. As he proved by removing Jaap Stam and David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson is not afraid to make dramatic decisions. He’ll ask himself: have I seen the best of Van Nistelrooy in a United shirt? The answer, unthinkable 18 months ago, is more than likely. And Ferguson needs money to strengthen other areas.
Van Nistelrooy’s body language is wrong. He seems like a man wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else. Cleverly, Ferguson has taken the heat off his player by saying that perhaps it’s his own fault for bringing him back too soon after injury. He’s shielding his player from criticism. But even an unfit Van Nistelrooy should be performing better than he is. I don’t give any credit to the notion that injured players need plenty of time to return to their peak. When you return, you should be so desperate to play that your extra motivation should compensate for any lack of fitness or sharpness.'