Fergie Not Alone on Ruud

[Scott]

From BBC:

Ruud van Nistelrooy may be left out of the starting line-up for Holland's second-round World Cup match against Portugal on Sunday.

The 29-year-old started the event as the first-choice striker but has scored only one goal so far and was taken off in all three Group C matches.

"The central position up front is a point of discussion," said Holland coach Marco van Basten.

"The chance that Dirk Kuijt will start on Sunday has increased."

Starting on the bench could be a crushing blow for Van Nistelrooy, who has also been under fire at his club side Manchester United.

United boss Alex Ferguson dropped him two months before the end of the season in favour of Frenchmen Louis Saha.

But Van Basten may simply be using motivational tactics to fire up Van Nistelrooy.

"It is not nice for him when he is replaced but we did not speak about it," added Van Basten.

"Ruud will understand that if you play well you will not be substituted.

"We might expect more from Ruud, he has to play a bigger role in our attack."

[7even]

All strikers get dropped, whether they’re performing or not. But I think with what’s gone on at united over last season and now being dropped for his Country too will only affect him, and not in a positive way. But hey, who knows, perhaps he’s grown up a little and realised he isn’t hot shot anymore, thus meaning he should seize the opportunity when he does get the chance again.

[Busby Boy]

C'mon Ruud...

I'm hoping he comes off the bench and scores the winner...

[Raving-Red]

mufcadz said:

C'mon Ruud...

I'm hoping he comes off the bench and scores the winner...

im with you on that... i cheered on when he scored against ivory coast... c'mon ruud!

[Red Yank]

[glow=red,2,300]RUUUUUUUUUUD!!!!!!![/glow]

[g]

I dont think he wil lbe dropped, this is a huge game for holland and Rudd is a proven goalscorer for holland. If he was to be left out and then holland to lose Van Basten would have a lot of questions to answer. RVN problem in the holland team is he gets no service.

[rewdie]

I doubt he ill be dropped, probably play him and sub him if he isnt playing greatl after 60 mins, all the top players have needed time ot get going in this tournament Ruud will find his feet

[Busby Boy]

g said:

I dont think he wil lbe dropped, this is a huge game for holland and Rudd is a proven goalscorer for holland. If he was to be left out and then holland to lose Van Basten would have a lot of questions to answer. RVN problem in the holland team is he gets no service.

I understand what you're saying but I don't think questions will be asked, in some sections of the Dutch media they have been calling for him to be dropped which I think is completely unjustified!

[rewdie]

The press are animals, they bring a player up then drop them the second they fall under their expectations, look at Beckham, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho etc who have taken a while to get going its crazy and stupid an errrrrrrrrrrr so annoying