I'VE GOT THE SECRET

Last updated : 16 May 2003 By Editor
Van Nistelrooy on the official site:

"The difference between the first half of this season and then
after New Year is there for all to see. At the beginning of the
campaign we didn't perform as well because we were working on
changes from last season. Last season we conceded many goals,
so we were very focused on being compact as a team and not
conceding goals any more. That is why the first 15 games or so
we had draws or 1-0 wins.

"It wasn't really sparkling. But that was all part of the
build-up to where Sir Alex and coach Carlos Queiroz wanted to
get us. We knew what they were doing and what they wanted and
we knew if we hung in there, our defence would become well
organised and we'd get better defending as a team.

"We defended as a whole team and attacked as a whole team.
This was what the gaffer pictured I think after last season. He
knew he had to do something to get the real United back that
everybody knows, a team with a solid defence and one who can
score goals.

"Last year we were scoring them all right but we let in too
many. The boss turned it around in a brilliant way. From that
defensive basis and confidence we then went on, and in every
game we started to create more and more chances. The last 15
games were incredible when it all came together.”