Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has played down talks of a rift between him and coach Alex Ferguson, BBC reported on Tuesday. The Dutch international was overlooked by Ferguson for United's Carling Cup final victory over Wigan on Sunday, favoring Louis Saha to start alongside Wayne Rooney in the front line. "The manager told me before the game that I wasn't playing. I was very disappointed but I could understand why he wanted to play Louis because he has been playing very well in the competition this season," Nistelrooy said. "You have to accept the decision as a professional player," he added. The Red Devils thrashed Wigan 4-0 to snatch their only major silverware of the season.
Alex Ferguson United were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup and are 15 points adrift of Premiership leaders Chelsea. Nistelrooy insisted he has no problem with the Scottish tactician, stating that he was very happy with his teammates' display against Wigan. "There is no problem between me and the manager. I cheered the first two goals with everyone else on the bench and I was happy for the team," he said. "I've heard suggestions I was acting. Well, if I was, then I'm the best actor in Holland. "I've scored a lot of goals this season and feel I've been playing well and I hope to be back in the team to play Wigan on Monday. I expect to play the league matches," he added.