Ruud’s Almost Gone And Finally, The Transfer Wheels Start Creakin’

I’ll spare you the rumours and give the ‘confirmed’ news first:

Manchester United are saying: “Manchester United give permission for Ruud van Nistelrooy to travel to Real Madrid for a medical. “However, terms of agreement are yet to be finalised between the two clubs.”

Real Madrid are saying: “Real Madrid announce they have an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of the player Ruud van Nistelrooy. The player will be contracted with the club for the next three seasons. He will undergo a medical on Friday morning and will be presented in the evening at 7pm at the Palco de Honor at the Santiago Bernabeu.”

What Soccerlens is saying:

“It is with deep regret and more than a tinge of nostalgia that we witness the final chapter of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s glorious stay with Manchester United. In some ways it is sad to think that he was part of only one Premiership title win, although by all accounts that was his best year for the club. He will leave, as he came, vastly under-rated and always capable of putting in brilliant goals every game.

Soccerlens understands that football is a tough game and good things must always come to an end, so there will be no mudslinging or finger-pointing at Ruud’s transfer. Let’s hope that one day both Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham return to Old Trafford with Real Madrid and that Soccerlens is there to witness what will perhaps be one of the most remarkable moments in footballing history – at least for this fan.”

I wish Manchester United will use this money well and buy at least two quality midfielders (although a third buy of a striker would help as well) this summer. It is too much to ask for United to sign these 3 players though.

I was going to write a fitting tribute for the man, but Manchester United’s best striker of this decade (you fickle football fans forget so quickly) has already received a very warm – albeit reeking of marketing spin – welcome by the Real Madrid family.

Ruud van Nistelrooy – The complete package

Let’s hope that Ferguson and Manchester United have the class to remember what Ruud has done for them.

Ruud will be Capello’s third signing after Cannavaro and Emerson. A left back, an attacking midfielder and a left winger are still needed, so I’ll keep you informed on how Real Madrid goes.

As for Manchester United…cue thousands of baseless rumours and maybe, just maybe, a transfer in the works.