Scholes names striker in Ruud health at Reds

PAUL Scholes has named Ruud van Nistelrooy as the best striker he played with during his illustrious career with United.

The midfielder spent his entire professional career with the Reds, winning 11 Premier League titles as well as lifting two Champions League trophies, cementing his status as one of the best players in the club’s history.

During his time at Old Trafford, Scholes played alongside some of the world’s best forwards, including Eric Cantona, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Robin van Persie.

However, he believes Van Nistelrooy stood out and named the Dutchman as the best forward he’s ever played alongside.

“That’s an easy one,” he told the BBC. “I don’t want to disrespect any of the other forwards – because I’ve played with some amazing players, especially at United.

“Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Ole Gunnar [Solskjaer] at the time but I always thought I had the best connection with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“I played the season with him, I think I scored 20 goals playing as a ten. I knew what he wanted, I knew the runs he’d make and where he wanted the ball.

“What a finisher. That man was just hungry. His life depended on scoring goals. He was the one I felt I had a great connection with.”

Scholes was also questioned on the argument that is regularly debated by United, Chelsea and Liverpool fans – who is the best midfielder out of Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard?

The United great laughed at the question and praised both former England internationals.

He said: “Stevie G and Frank, of course.

“I’m sick to death of hearing about this to be honest. It doesn’t really matter. People can have their own opinions.

“Them two were amazing, amazing players. But very different players.

“Frank played the position well. He was in a team where he was allowed to do what he wanted. He had the license to go with [Claude] Makelele there. Probably the best goal scoring midfielder that there will ever be.

“Steven could do absolutely everything on a football pitch. He was quick, he was strong, he was physical.

“He could score goals and he could make goals.”