Ruud needs rest, says Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Ruud van Nistelrooy is in danger of wilting under the pressure of expectation at Old Trafford.

Ferguson was criticised for his decision to leave the Dutch striker out of the side that fell nine points behind Premiership leaders Arsenal by drawing at Fulham on Saturday.

But Ferguson insisted Van Nistelrooy was looking tired after starting 25 of United's 27 Premiership games this season.

He said: 'Ruud did not feel sharp against Porto last week in the Champions League. He said that to me himself after the game and I decided we needed a bit of freshness up front against Fulham.

' Ruud has carried the burden up front for a long time. It is time we started to look at that and do something about it. One of the reasons we signed Louis Saha was to ease the pressure.'

Saha scored United's goal in the 1-1 draw with former club Fulham, but is trying to shake off a heel injury.