Dutch Master - Signed by Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Since signing for Manchester United in April 2001, Ruud Van Nistelrooy has not only established himself as a legend at the club, but also as the most prolific striker in Europe.

For a player of such exceptional ability, Nistelrooy's early career was relatively slow to take off. After four years playing in Holland's 2nd Division, he finally moved into the 1st Division with SC Heereveen and then PSV Eindhoven. To improve his play, the Eindhoven coach advised him to study Dennis Bergkamp's game, which he did, with devastating effect. His new-found finishing power quickly brought him to the attention of Alex Ferguson, who has a seemingly unerring ability to spot star potential.

The £19 million transfer - delayed by a year due to a cruciate injury to Nistelrooy's right knee - brought a strike force to Old Trafford the like of which had not been since since the days of Denis Law. He threw himself into the business of trophy-hunting for the club, but, despite an amazing debut season in which he scored 36 goals, the 2001/02 season was a barren one for United.

His scoring record has remained undiminished - in his second season he scored 44 goals to help secure the Premiership for his club. However, the 36 goals he scored in 37 appearances in the Champions League have to be the ultimate testimony to the stature of the man. He once described his former role model, Dennis Bergkamp, as 'one in a million', but surely that epithet could be equally applied to himself.

Own a piece of sporting history

This truly exceptional, full-colour, action portrait of the Dutch Master is an important piece of Manchester United memorabilia and has been issued as a limited edition of 500, each signed in person by Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Strictly limited edition

Only 500 of this print have been produced and once these have been sold, no more will ever be released. Order your print today to avoid missing out.