A 24-year-old Ruud van Nistelrooy is a Man Utd target while at PSV Eindhoven but injury puts a transfer on hold

Man Utd keep faith with the talented striker and in April 2001 Sir Alex Ferguson pays a Premiership-record �19m for his man

The Dutchman starts as he means to go on scoring against Liverpool in the Charity Shield - but Liverpool win 2-1

He's on fire in Europe as well - seen scoring here against Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions League

Later that season he sets a Premiership record of scoring in eight consecutive matches, with a penalty against Blackburn

Man Utd enjoy a great run in Europe in 2001-2002 reaching the semi final - but Leverkeusen go through on away goals

But he is still the Champions League top scorer, scores 30 goals in the season and wins the PFA Player of the Year

Ruud finally gets his hands on some silverware as his 25 Premiership goals help Man Utd clinch the title in 2003

In 2003 a strike against Stuttgart in the Champions League sees him match Denis Law's club record of 28 European goals

His relentless ability to score goals means he reaches the magic 100 mark against Everton in his 131st game in 2004

And he gets his hands on more silverware when his two goals help Man Utd beat Millwall 3-0 in the 2004 FA Cup final

Ruud suffers an injury lay-off in 2005 and suffers a dip in form but plays in Man Utd's FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal

Alex Ferguson leaves Ruud on the bench for the Carling Cup final in February 2006 and he finds it tough to regain his place

He scores 150 goals for the club before announcing he wants to leave - the end of an era for both player and club