Ruud still in United plans

Manchester United coach Carlos Queiroz has stated that Ruud van Nistelrooy remains a crucial member of the club's plans despite being relegated to the bench in recent games.

In-form French striker Louis Saha has started ahead of the 29-year-old Dutchman in United's past three matches and is expected to keep his place alongside Wayne Rooney for this weekend's EPL meeting with West Brom.

Speculation of a move away from Old Trafford for Van Nistelrooy has since arisen but such talk has been knocked on the head by the Red Devils.

"You can only select 11 players at once and when you have a 23-man squad, it is a daily job to speak with those who are not in the team," Queiroz explained.

"But I accept Ruud plays in most matches, which is why we pay special attention to him."

Van Nistelrooy, who has 148 career goals for United since his transfer from PSV Eindhoven five years ago, has already been linked with Premiership rivals Tottenham and Newcastle.

"We understand the speculation. It is natural that of 50 clubs, 49 would want him but the only club who do not need to want him is us, because he is already here," Queiroz added.

"What we need to do is show our commitment to Ruud and our appreciation of him. It has been spelt out. He is part of our plans in the short, medium and long term."

"We need great players but, once in a while, for different circumstances, it does happen that one player doesn't play."

"Ruud is part of our family, part of our needs and part of our team and no-one should be in any doubt about that."

There will be no rest from United duty for England ace Rooney, who is playing out of his skin at the moment.

"I understand the concerns about Wayne from the perspective of the England team but as a Manchester United coach, I am just concerned about his performance for us," Queiroz explained.

"We have 30 points to play for, over an average of one game a week and I don't think there are any problems with him."

United defender Wes Brown has been ruled out of the game against West Brom with a groin injury, opening the door for Serbia and Montenegro international Nemanja Vidic to step in to the heart of defence.

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