Ruud van Nistelrooy believes United have the right assets to challenge Chelsea's cash-rich grip on the Premiership.
The 29-year-old striker feels the Reds have the backbone and the vision to rise to the top again, even without Roman Abramovich-style investment in the playing staff.
Ruud told Four Four Two magazine:
“Abramovich has done OK at Chelsea but, believe me, United will come good again because we are always striving to improve.
“I respect what Chelsea have achieved, but football isn't just about throwing money around, it's about having a long-term plan.
“If there's no vision then the finished product is worthless. Look at Fulham, they thought that with a multi-millionaire owner they'd be at the top of the Premiership and challenging in Europe, but that hasn't happened.
"At least with Chelsea there's a definite plan, but money doesn't always bring success.”
The Dutchman firmly believes that United's best eleven is as good as the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge. But he accepts that strength in depth is where Jose Mourinho’s spending power has provided the advantage to the champions elect.
“I believe we can [compete with Chelsea], but how soon we do that I cannot say for sure.
"The backbone of the team is now in place and much stronger than it's been for a long time, particularly with the arrival of Edwin van der Sar. He's a top class goalkeeper with so much experience and that's made a huge difference. He alone will win us more points.
"The only problem we have is that we have a small squad, so unlike Chelsea we don’t have cover for every position. But if everyone is fit, we are as good as Chelsea. We showed that when we ended their unbeaten run last November.”
In the same interview with Four Four Two magazine, van Nistelrooy also speaks candidly about Mourinho, Patrick Vieira and his high hopes for this summer’s World Cup.
“I can’t wait for the World Cup to begin, I’m thinking about it night and day,” admits Ruud.
“It could be the most important month in my life because I’m at the perfect age now. We have a really good group of players and I believe we can go there and win it.”
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