Eckers99
Michael Corleone says hello
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2014
- Messages
- 6,117
Ruud was an intelligent player but he could go for long periods in games when he didn't look involved (or looked dormant) but would then score with half a chance. And he played very centrally, so there wasn't much interchanging with other players. His best work came around the box, either with his back to goal or making runs off the shoulder.To be fair, almost all of our creativity came directly from Ronaldo. Compared to the pure goal poacher he has been recently, it might be a bit strange to think of him at United when he an incredible dribbler and passer. Also Scholes returning and Giggs having another renaissance helped our attacking play immensely. Obviously Pat was far far better than Sheasy or Heinze at attacking the left wing as well.
Ruud wasn't just a 6 yard box player like Inzaghi, he had a brilliant touch and an all round intelligent player. Just because he was lanky and awkward looking doesn't mean he was a slouch either. I do agree with the half arsed....but think that was just due to the falling out with Ferguson. If he got the kick up the arse and upped his work rate he still would have been great - as he showed with Real. All in all, it was a pity we didn't get to see prime Ronaldo, Rooney and Ruud in the same side.
That said, I do agree that it would've been great to see him feeding off prime Rooney and Ronaldo. Despite everything I think he's the best pure striker we've had in the last 40 years. Just think we were a more fluid, exciting side in the years after he left. Whether that's down to his departure is pure conjecture