Ferguson optimistic over van Nistelrooy injury

Manchester United will wrap Ruud van Nistelrooy in cotton wool this week after he limped out of the Champions League victory …

Manchester United will wrap Ruud van Nistelrooy in cotton wool this week after he limped out of the Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Van Nistelrooy bagged a first-half brace in United's 2-1 away win over last year's runners-up.

However, he spent the second half watching from the bench after giving way to a niggling hamstring injury.

With only three strikers to choose from, Sir Alex Ferguson can ill-afford to lose his main goal threat.

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"He took both goals pretty well last night, so we hope it's not too serious," said Ferguson.

"I am really pleased for him because after scoring so many goals last year there were great expectations on his shoulders.

"He has had a slow start but these goals have come in one of the hardest countries of all to score."

Ferguson also lost John O'Shea at the interval, the defender suffered double vision after an aerial clash with Phil Neville early in the game.

O'Shea's departure allowed Gary Neville to continue his comeback and the England full-back was kept busy by an almost constant stream of home attacks.