Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy didn’t think twice about snubbing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the best Dutch player in Premier League history.
Ruud van Nistelrooy could make his own claim for the so-called ‘Dutch Premier League GOAT’ accolade after his legendary playing spell with Manchester United.
The 48-year-old Dutchman was initially intended to sign for the Red Devils in 2000 before a failed medical test scuppered his move to Old Trafford.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson went back into the market in 2001 and signed United legend Van Nistelrooy for a British record transfer fee at the time of £19m.
Van Nistelrooy’s arrival from PSV Eindhoven saw the former United and Netherlands striker have a sensational impact under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
The ex-Dutch forward netted an incredible 150 times in 219 appearances for United during his remarkable five seasons at the Premier League club.
Van Nistelrooy lifted a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup before his relationship with Ferguson and he was sold to Real Madrid in 2006.
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Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy during a Leicester City press conference at Seagrave Training Complex on February 13, 2025 in Leicester,...
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
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Van Nistelrooy on Dutch Premier League GOAT
Virgil van Dijk has been widely hailed for his transformative impact at Anfield after Liverpool signed the Dutchman from Southampton for a £75m fee in 2018.
The 33-year-old Dutch centre-back has been a linchpin figure for the Reds and has made 303 appearances for Liverpool and became club captain back in 2023.
During his time at Anfield, Van Dijk has lifted a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, two League Cups and an FA Cup with Liverpool.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy took part in a Q&A and he was asked about the GOAT Dutch player in the Premier League.
The Manchester United legend snubbed both Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp and Liverpool skipper Van Dijk by picking ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
“I go with the unusual one,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“He was unbelievably good as a striker in the Premier League. It was Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.”
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Van Nistelrooy talks Man Utd legend Ferguson
Van Nistelrooy holds legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in high regard and paid the ultimate tribute to the iconic 83-year-old Scotsman.
The Leicester City manager was asked to name the Premier League GOAT for a managerial pick and he didn’t hesitate to pick Ferguson as his No 1 choice.
Van Nistelrooy also revealed that his dream dinner with three managers, past or present, would include former Aberdeen and United boss Ferguson.
“Carlo Ancelotti, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Robson,” he said.
“You can learn a lot about life and football, but you also can have a great evening as well on the side and laugh. A sense of humour is there.”