Rudd Van Nisterooy Signed Gold Engraved and Mounted
Finally, on 23 April 2001, after turning down a late offer from Real Madrid, Ruud was able to complete his dream move to Manchester United, for a British record transfer fee of ?9 million.
That huge amount suddenly looked to be a bargain as Ruud's first season with United was nothing short of sensational. He scored in his first match - the Charity Shield defeat to Liverpool - then just couldn't stop finding the back of the net. 36 goals in his debut season - just months after it looked like his career may be over - was a frightening achievement.
Ruud was determined to win the Premiership, however, and set about his task with relish in 2002/03. Anyone who doubted he could recreate the form of his first season once again were soon put right. An incredible tally of 44 United goals fired the Reds to the League title after all had seemed lost, although two goals in two games against Real Madrid were not enough to put Sir Alex's men into the Champions League semi-finals.
It's fair to say that without Ruud, United would not have won the 2002/03 Premiership. In the closing months of 2001/02 he had looked tired, but improved fitness the next season saw him score 15 goals in his last 10 games as United leapfrogged Arsenal. Ruud had won his trophy at last.
Ruud begun the 2003/04 season as he had finished the last, scoring twice in his first two league games. He chalked up his 100th and 101st goals for the club against Everton at Goodison Park on 7 February 2004, as United earned a vital 4-3 Premiership victory.
