These five goals are just a glimpse into the vast collection of gems Van Nistelrooy delivered during his time at Manchester United

They say goals win matches, and few strikers have embodied that sentiment quite like Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch hitman, who celebrates his birthday today, terrorised defences during his time in the Premier League, particularly during his magnificent spell at Manchester United. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit five of his most iconic strikes for the Red Devils.

A telepathic connection with Beckham lights up Sunderland (2003)

Sometimes, in football, partnerships just click. Van Nistelrooy's relationship with David Beckham was a textbook example. Against Sunderland, their understanding shone through in a way that had the crowd buzzing. Beckham, with his wand of a right foot, whipped in a delightful cross. 

Nistelrooy celebrating a goal with David Beckham // Picture Courtesy --@PlayFT365

Van Nistelrooy, anticipating the delivery with the awareness of a seasoned predator, took a deft first touch, swivelled on a dime, and smashed the ball past a helpless Jurgen Macho. This clinical finish was just the beginning of a 4-1 victory for United, a match where Van Nistelrooy's link-up play with Beckham was a constant thorn in Sunderland's side.

Van Nistelrooy outfoxes the American wall (2002)

Brad Friedel, in his prime, was a formidable obstacle between the sticks. His reflexes were legendary, leaving countless attackers feeling like they'd hit a brick wall. But even the best can be breached by a master of his craft. Van Nistelrooy, in an electrifying display against Blackburn, found a way past Friedel. 

The move began with a quick one-two with Quentin Fortune, a play that seemed to wrong-foot the entire Blackburn defence. With space opening up, Van Nistelrooy unleashed a powerful shot that rocketed past the esteemed American goalkeeper, leaving him with no chance and sending the United fans into raptures.

The legend with his iconic celebration // Picture Courtesy -- @r4shford

The maestro outfoxes the Arsenal backline (2002)

A crucial clash against Arsenal in 2002 saw Van Nistelrooy announce his presence on the big stage with a goal that would be forever etched in United folklore. Upon receiving a pass from Ryan Giggs, the Dutch maestro didn't hesitate. With a cheeky nutmeg on Sol Campbell, a manoeuvre that left the Arsenal defender grasping at straws, and a burst of pace that left Martin Keown trailing in his dust, he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. 

The finish was coolness personified. He coolly lifted the ball over Keown with a deft touch, sending the Old Trafford faithful into a frenzy. This goal wasn't just a sign of Van Nistelrooy's finishing ability but also his tactical awareness.

A solo masterpiece leaves Fulham bewildered (2003)

One of Van Nistelrooy's most complete performances came against Fulham, where he bagged a magnificent hat-trick. While all three goals were impressive, it was his second that truly stood out for its audacious nature. The moment the ball touched his feet, a sense of anticipation filled the air. 

He embarked on a mazy run from the centre circle, leaving defenders in his wake like skittles. His pace, dribbling ability, and awareness of space were all on full display. After weaving through the Fulham defence, he calmly slotted the ball home with pinpoint accuracy. 

The volley against Charlton (2004)

This goal truly takes the cake! Following a tumultuous period at the club, with Roy Keane's fallout and Sir Alex Ferguson casting a shadow, United desperately needed a hero. Van Nistelrooy stepped up in style. In a dominant 3-1 win, he bagged a brace, with his second goal being the undisputed masterpiece. 

Wayne Rooney, with a powerful run that carved through Charlton's midfield, found Van Nistelrooy in the box. The Dutchman, with a touch of genius that left everyone speechless, used his chest to control the ball, spun with incredible agility to create space, and unleashed a thunderous volley that left goalkeeper Stephan Andersen with no chance.