Man United boss Alex Ferguson has backed his ace striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to score against Bayer Laverkusen tonight – despite the Dutchman being in the middle of a desperate goal drought.
The Dutchman has netted nine times in a stop-start season so far but has failed to score in two outings since missing four games with a hamstring injury. Along with most of his Manchester United team-mates, van Nistelrooy was well below-par in Saturday's stunning 3-1 defeat at Maine Road, leading to more criticism over Ferguson's controversial decision to play the £18.5million signing from PSV Eindhoven as a lone striker.
However, van Nistelrooy did grab a first-half double when United beatLeverkusen 2-1 in Germany seven weeks ago and Ferguson has no creeping doubts over his ability. "Ruud is one of the best finishers you will get," said the Old Trafford chief. "His speed of finishing is fantastic. He scored twice in the last game against Bayer Leverkusen - the key is to create the chances for him."
After ripping into his team following the City debacle, Ferguson kept a firm silence on the subject in the build-up to tonight's game, refusing to even mention the game, stating: "It is a European game and it is a chance to top the group."
Whether the United supporters have been able to put the matter to the back of their minds so swiftly is a different matter and while the home side is guaranteed generous support tonight, any sign that the game is turning against their team is sure to be met with a mixed response.
Filed by Ciaran Cronin
