Is Van the man?

'There is an aggression about Ruud's play, a single-minded determination to make the most of every half-chance in an around the area, that sets him apart from the rest,' he said.

'He may not be the best in the air, considering his size and build, but there is no one who makes more of his physical presence on the ground.

'His heading will improve. He is a very dedicated professional who wants to make the best of himself and he will work on that aspect of his game. Already, his work on the deck is unrivalled.

'He is what I would call a real front player. You get some who are big and strong and a handful physically, others who are nippy with a good turn of pace and others who know how to finish.

'With Ruud, you get the lot. United are getting a player who was the most prolific scorer in Dutch football until he injured his knee, who puts himself about and makes life a nightmare for defenders and who has lightning pace.

'Believe me, Ruud is quick, both in thought and covering the ground. I call him The Cowboy because of his aggression and constant shooting.

'Whenever the goal is anywhere within range, he will have a go. He is like one of the stars from one of those old westerns - always quick on the draw. Not only that, he is only 24.

'There is still a lot to come from Ruud and I have no doubt that people will be talking about him as the best in the world long before he has finished.

'I would loved to have kept him, but at least it is sorted out now and I can begin trying to plan a future without him.

'Not that the money is much consolation - he is priceless in my view.'

Gerets' sentiments were echoed by former Ajax and Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal, now in charge of the national team in Holland and eager to call on Van Nistelrooy's prolific finishing skills at the earliest opportunity.

'Ruud has only just returned for PSV after spending nearly all season fighting against serious injury, but I had no hesitation including him in our squad to face Cyprus on Wednesday,' said Van Gaal, who is expected to name the fit-again frontrunner on the bench. 'He has all the qualities you want in a striker, and more besides.

'United are getting one of the best in the business. He is a good all-round footballer, but he really comes into his own anywhere near the box.

'His scoring record shows that. He has the strength to hold off defenders and pace to leave them behind and when he gets anywhere near the goal, he is a devastating finisher.'

Van Nistelrooy's belated arrival is bound to exert extra pressure on those jockeying for position in United's current strike force, though initial indications suggest there may not be wholesale departures.

Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham appear most vulnerable but could both remain at Old Trafford to give Ferguson a wealth of alternatives for his final season in charge.

Glenn Hoddle's appointment at White Hart Lane has apparently lessened the chances of a move to Tottenham for Sheringham, although First Division champions Fulham and West Ham still harbour hopes of enticing him back to London.

While the challenge of spearheading Fulham's fairytale rise to Premiership status appeals to the 35- year old former England forward, so does the prospect of a new one-year deal worth £35,000 a week to carry on adding guile to United's attacking armoury.

While Sheringham ponders his next move, it is also far from certain that Yorke will accept that his time is up under Ferguson and seek a fresh start at Chelsea or his old club Aston Villa.

It is believed that Yorke may defy any attempts to offload him and see out the final season of Ferguson's reign in the belief that he can relaunch a faltering United career once a successor is installed.