Van Nistelrooy suffers new injury

Van Nistelrooy writhes in pain during training

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy could be out for as long as a year, after sustaining another injury to his knee in training.

The Dutch international ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on Friday and PSV Eindhoven have confirmed he could be out for between eight and 12 months.

He was screaming out of pain ... it didn't look too good

Eddie Jonson, Dutch journalist

Van Nistelrooy was set to join Manchester United in a record £18.5m move on Tuesday before he failed his medical.

PSV spokesman Pedro Salazar-Hewitt said: "A new injury has occurred which has caused a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Dutch star is helped from the pitch

"In the next few weeks a decision will be made on when an operation will take place.

"After that operation he will have to wait a minimum of eight months before he can be fit again.

"He is out for the rest of the year and it could be a year before he is back again."

Manchester United have said they are monitoring Van Nistelrooy's condition and have yet to rule out a move, but this latest twist is almost certain to scupper the Premiership champions' interest.

'Great pain'

Salazar-Hewitt explained how the Dutch star's injury happened.

"He was about three-quarters through his training programme when it went wrong," he said.

Everybody at Manchester United wishes him a speedy recovery from this latest setback

Sir Alex Ferguson

"He jumped for a header and when he landed he hurt his right knee.

"He was in great pain, but after two minutes the pain lessened and he stood up himself and walked to the dressing room.

"About two minutes later he was on his way to the hospital."

Despite United's concerns apparently being justified, Sir Alex Ferguson expressed sympathy for the player.

"It's a terrible blow for the lad," he said.

"What started as a bright week for Ruud has turned into a nightmare for him."

"Everybody at Manchester United wishes him a speedy recovery from this latest setback."