Ruud van Nistelrooy backs Manchester United and 'genius' Wayne Rooney for Premier League glory

Former Old Trafford striker says side are getting stronger and stronger...

4 Feb 2010 16:11:00

By James Daly

More On :  Manchester United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney
Ruud Van Nistelrooy (SV Hamburger)
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has put his backing firmly behind his old team in the race for the Premier League title.
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And the Dutchman reckons the reason United will be on top come the end of the season is the "genius" of Wayne Rooney.

The former Old Trafford striker, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils, recently joined Hamburg but admits he still keeps a keen eye on the Premier League since leaving for Real Madrid in 2006.

"I watch the game on the television and it is clear that Chelsea and Manchester United will battle for the title this season," he told ESPN.

"They both have teams filled with guys with a winning mentality, but I fancy my old club to come out on top again.

"United do get stronger as a season goes on and they have a genius in Wayne Rooney."

The Dutchman, who fell out of favour at Madrid this season, was linked with a move back to the Premier League this year after a handful of clubs showed an interest in signing him, most notably Tottenham.

But the goalscorer doesn't regret choosing Germany ahead of England.

"Some English sides showed an interest in me and it made me stop and think," he said.

"I love the cut and thrust and the atmosphere of English football and, after five unbelievable years at Old Trafford, I would be crazy not to be tempted by the thought of going back there.

"In the end, nothing materialised and this is life.

"It's a cautious transfer market at the moment - the recession has seen to that. Ultimately, what Hamburg offered me as a sportsman was the most solid and persuasive."

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