Book: Comment about Ronaldo’s dad ended Van Nistlerooy’s United career
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistlerooy saw his Red Devils career come crashing down following a disagreement with a young Cristiano Ronaldo, in which comments were exchanged regarding the player’s father.
The prolific Dutch striker was a huge favourite at Old Trafford, but was shown the door shortly after an altercation with Ronaldo which left manager Sir Alex Ferguson with no option but to move him on.
Revelations about Van Nistlerooy’s departure have emerged in the recently published diaries of former Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell, a close friend of Ferguson.
As revealed in the Times, Campbell notes how Van Nistlerooy had become difficult to manage and came across as rather self-centred, leaving Ferguson unsure with what to do with the player.
“The last straw was when he told Cristiano Ronaldo he had found a new dad in Carlos [Queiroz, Ferguson’s assistant] just after Ronaldo’s dad, who was an alcoholic, had died,” wrote Campbell.
“Carlos asked him to show respect and he said he didn’t respect anyone there. He later apologised but CR was not having it.
“Alex sent Van Nistlerooy home when he heard about it later. He was not sure what he was going to do with him,” Campbell added.
That same summer Van Nistlerooy was shown the door at Old Trafford and sold to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The Dutchman scored a total of 95 Premier League goals for United during 150 appearances for the club.