COULD THIS EXPLAIN HIS ABSENCE ON SATURDAY?

Last updated : 26 April 2004 By Editor

From The Sun:

Ruud van Nistelrooy has had an ugly training ground bust-up with team-mate David Bellion.

The clash last Friday casts another cloud over his Manchester United future. SunSport understands Van Nistelrooy and the French forward had to be separated by coach Mike Phelan.

Van Nistelrooy was seen to be in the wrong and Phelan ordered him to apologise. But the Dutch striker refused and stormed off.

He was left out of United’s team for Saturday’s defeat by Liverpool, with the club claiming the Dutch ace had a thigh strain.

Mysteriously, though, he failed to turn up at Old Trafford to support the side as is usual.

The incident is another example of Van Nistelrooy’s deteriorating relationship with United.

SunSport revealed on Saturday how the he has been the target of a tirade by skipper Roy Keane about his form.