Fabrizio Romano in awe at ‘top’ Man Utd legend after he picks up his shirt and raves about him

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Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano couldn’t hold back his excitement about Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy after he picked up one of his shirts.

Van Nistelrooy is a beloved figure among United fans and had a remarkable impact during his illustrious spell at Old Trafford after his £19m move in 2001.

A then-British record transfer signing from PSV Eindhoven, the prolific Dutch former striker scored an incredible 150 times in 219 appearances for United.

During his time under former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy lifted a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup at the Red Devils.

However, Van Nistelrooy’s relationship with Ferguson fractured towards the end of his United career and the Dutchman was sold to Real Madrid in 2006.

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Romano on ‘top player’ Van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy arrived at Los Blancos as part of a reported £10.2m deal and the former United star had a real impact for Madrid in the 2006-07 La Liga season.

Former Madrid manager Fabio Capello was in charge of the Spanish club at the time and Van Nistelrooy was instrumental to Madrid’s La Liga title triumph in 2007.

Van Nistelrooy scored an impressive 25 times in the league and Madrid clinched the La Liga trophy ahead of rivals Barcelona in the club’s final match of the season.

Romano went shopping for classic shirts as part of a video on AwayDays’ YouTube channel, with the reporter picking out Van Nistelrooy’s Netherlands T-shirt.

Speaking on the United legend, he said: “Ah, Ruud van Nistelrooy. This kind of shirt, for me, is wonderful.

“The orange from the Dutch national team was super special. Top player.

“I remember him winning La Liga for Real Madrid with Fabio Capello as a manager.

“It was the final match in La Liga with Barcelona playing away and Real Madrid playing home. The first half it was Barcelona winning [and] Real Madrid drawing.

“Then Ruud van Nistelrooy won the [match] in the second half and Real Madrid won La Liga thanks to Ruud van Nistelrooy. Top player. Great player.”

Van Nistelrooy’s legacy is incredible

Despite his praise for Van Nistelrooy, Romano didn’t take the Dutchman’s Netherlands T-shirt with him and placed it back on the railing with the other shirts.

Van Nistelrooy lifted two La Liga titles with Madrid before he left the club in 2010, with the legendary ex-United striker going on to play for Hamburger and Malaga.

The 47-year-old former Netherlands international, who revealed the toughest defence he ever faced, retired from football in 2012 and went into coaching.

Van Nistelrooy led PSV Eindhoven to the Dutch Cup last season, but the former Madrid and United star resigned from his managerial post in May 2023.

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