VAN BASTEN STANDS BY RUUD

Last updated : 16 June 2006 By Ed
The Dutch public are beginning to think Ruud van Nistelrooy may need to be replaced in their starting line up. From the Independent

The situation is depressingly familiar for Ruud van Nistelrooy. A lacklustre performance against Serbia & Montenegro has led to calls in the Netherlands for a younger and less experienced model to replace the Manchester United striker against Ivory Coast tonight but, unlike Sir Alex Ferguson, Marco van Basten is reluctant to dispense with his predator just yet.

Van Basten, however, believes the striker's desperation to impress in his first appearance at the World Cup Finals, was the principal reason for his slow start and is unlikely to yield to the pressure to change in Stuttgart. "He wanted to prove himself and perhaps he was too eager, but I have no reason to replace him."