"I was very proud," said van Nistelrooy. "First of all, I was so happy just to be back and able to play. When you walk out and get a reception like that it is difficult to describe. I am very thankful to United's fans. It's great to get a reception like that and it makes you want to go out and give it everything - it's what you play football for. It was a disappointing night to lose 1-0. Our task is difficult but, in a way, it is made easier in that we know exactly what we need to do out there; we need to go and win. In that sense it's simple."
"I need more games to get myself back to full match fitness," Ruud told Manchester United Radio. "I realised that in my first week of training. But I am working on my fitness in every minute I have in training and on the pitch. I am hoping to get back to my best level as soon as possible. It's been frustrating. This is the longest spell out I have had since I came to United. Not being able to play is hard, but seeing the lads play made it even more difficult because you want to be part of it."