Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy dropped one of the biggest compliments after admitting that one “very strong player” reminded him of his own prolific playing style.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite during his time at Manchester United and made a long-lasting legacy during his illustrious spell at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up the iconic Dutch former striker in 2001 after missing out on Van Nistelrooy in 2000 due to his move collapsing over a failed medical.
Signed for a then-British record transfer fee of £19m from PSV Eindhoven, Van Nistelrooy was a lethal forward option for former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his incredible five seasons at Old Trafford, the 47-year-old Dutchman scored a remarkable 150 times during 219 appearances for the Red Devils.
Van Nistelrooy, who lifted a Premier League, an FA Cup and a League Cup, left United in 2006 after a fractured relationship with Ferguson and signed for Real Madrid.
The former Netherlands international was regarded highly by his former United teammates, with Van Nistelrooy often praised for his clinical finishing as a player.
Van Nistelrooy praises one former Man Utd star
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy retired from football in 2012 after brief spells with Hamburger and Malaga and entered into the world of coaching.
The former United and Real Madrid striker took his first steps into management in 2022 after he returned to PSV and became head coach at the club.
Van Nistelrooy led PSV to a Dutch Cup in his debut season, but the United legend stepped down from his role in 2023 amid a lack of support from the Eredivisie club.
Speaking to UEFA’s official website, the ex-Netherlands striker was asked which player resembled his playing style the most during his time as a footballer.
Van Nistelrooy, who has been linked with a return to management, believed that former United striker Edinson Cavani is very similar to him.
“An out-and-out No 9 would be Edinson Cavani,” he said in 2017.
“He’s a very strong player with great movement in and out of the box. He also helps the team with his hold-up play and is a great No 9.”
Cavani during his time at Man Utd
Edinson Cavani made a name for himself at both Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli and the 37-year-old Uruguayan striker was widely revered for his striking ability.
The former Napoli star left the French capital in 2020 after a prolific spell with PSG and completed a sensational free transfer move to Old Trafford.
Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a big fan of ex-Uruguay international Cavani, who scored 19 times in his 59 appearances for the Red Devils.
Following his two seasons at United, Cavani made his exit from Old Trafford after his contract expired and signed for Spanish side Valencia on a free transfer.
The ex-United striker is currently at Argentine side Boca Juniors, having signed for the club on a free last summer after his contract with Valencia was terminated.
Speaking on his time at Old Trafford, Cavani told Manchester United’s official website in 2022: “I sincerely have nothing but words of gratitude towards the fans and supporters of Manchester United.
“Honestly, they have shown me a lot of respect from the very first moment I arrived. I think they’ve greatly recognised all the hard work I’ve always tried to put in in the best way possible, giving my best for this team.
“I really am very grateful, and I’ll be leaving here with a happy memory of that affection they showed me and always displayed.”