"My build-up to the new season has been good and I am confident about what I can achieve.
"The Premiership is very demanding, both physically and mentally, it has been a big advantage to have the summer off. It gave me eight weeks complete rest and then four weeks training.
"The combination has left me feeling very positive."
“I have heard people say that the second season at a club is harder than the first. I have thought about that possibility.
“I feel very good at the moment. All I want to do this season is show the same commitment and work ethic as I did last season and try to get the maximum from each game.
“But nothing has gone to my head. I know that the only way to win the trophies that we missed out on last season is to perform.
“That is why I have to get the maximum from my talents this season. We all do.”
Fergie: “He has had a rest and has benefited from that. His training times are up. His recovery times are far better and he’s looking good.”
Patrick Kluivert in The Mail:
'I sometimes cannot believe just what Ruud van Nistelrooy did at Manchester United last year. It was a wonderful season from a wonderful player.'He has everything that a striker needs. He has good speed, he is strong and when he gets a chance of goal, he is lethal.
'I think he will get better and better over the seasons to come. It is difficult to compare people with Van Basten but Ruud has a chance.
'I would love to play in attack with him more for Holland. I think we can be a great partnership - I can't think of anybody I would rather play with more.'
'It's a shame that we will not be on the same field, because we could have had some friendly competition.
'But I always enjoy watching Ruud. He is a very entertaining player.'