THE GHOSTS OF SEASONS PAST

"There is bound to be an extra incentive for both of them," said Ferguson.

"People always want to do well against their former clubs particularly when it is Manchester United.

"Over the years there have been plenty of players who have come back and scored against us, going right back to Peter Davenport and Norman Whiteside in my early days here.

"It happens, you have to accept it is part of the game."

He hates keeping the bench warm.

"Andy always found it difficult to handle being a substitute, even when we were taking a long-term view and resting him," said the United chief.

"I couldn't see him and Ruud van Nistelrooy becoming a partnership and I was confidant Ruud was going to develop into a top class player. After that, the decision to let Andy leave was pretty straightforward.

"What you cannot take away though was that he gave us seven years fantastic service and the partnership he forged with Dwight in the treble season was the best in Europe at that time.

"They were terrific that season and I'm pleased to see them doing well now they have moved on."

Would you rather have those two or Ruud? Why not decide whose best by putting some money on who'll score first by following the link below to Blue Sq.

First Goalscorer

Cole, Andy 7/1
Yorke, Dwight 8/1

No Goalscorer 8/1

Van Nistelrooy, Ruud 4/1
Solskjaer, Ole Gunnar 11/2