Van Nistelrooy needs to rest

Sir Alex Ferguson may rest Ruud van Nistelrooy until the FA Cup Final as the Holland striker tries to shake off a niggling knee injury.

Van Nistelrooy has started only one of Manchester United's last seven games since suffering a problem in his right knee during the 1-1 Premiership draw at Arsenal on March 28.

It is the same knee he badly injured on the training ground when he was originally due to move to Old Trafford from PSV Eindhoven four years ago. An operation and his subsequent rehabilitation delayed a £19million move until 2001 and, as a result, United are naturally reluctant to take undue risks.

Manager Ferguson would like his 27-year-old hitman to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday because United must beat Claudio Ranieri's team - who are four points ahead - if they are to have any chance of clinching second position and automatic entry into the Champions League.

Even then, United will be banking on a victory in their last game at Aston Villa while hoping Chelsea slip up at home to relegated Leeds.

Even though this weekend's game is of crucial importance, Ferguson cannot expose his star striker ahead of the May 22 final - the club's only hope of a trophy this season.

Van Nistelrooy is desperate to play at Cardiff but does not want to jeopardise his chances of appearing with Holland in the Euro 2004 finals this summer. Much will depend on the fitness of fellow United striker Louis Saha.

The France international has also been struggling with injury and joined Van Nistelrooy on the sidelines last weekend as United lost at Blackburn. Saha is not eligible for the Cup Final but is hoping to be ready for the Chelsea clash. If he makes it, Ferguson will be able to rest Van Nistelrooy with more confidence.

Having lost three of their last four Premiership games, the Old Trafford outfit are desperate to restore pride and create momentum this weekend.

Paul Scholes will return after suspension - so, in all likelihood, will captain Roy Keane - which is likely to mean there will be no place for Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson.

The midfielder has struggled since his arrival at the club last summer but he is determined to rectify matters next season if Ferguson keeps him.

Kleberson said: ' It's been really frustrating. I played a few games at the start of the season but then got injured. I haven't had a full run but I'm just looking forward to next year. Next year I want to really help Manchester United.'

But United are looking to make new signings in the summer and Kleberson, along with Diego Forlan, could be sold to raise cash for those transfers.

Kleberson, however, is determined to prove his worth.

'You've seen a little of me but not the full me,' he said. 'Next season the fans will hopefully see the real Kleberson. I'm really happy here, so is my wife and also my baby was born here.

'There have been no real problems. Obviously there has been some acclimatisation, but no real problems. I'm looking forward to next season. Manchester United are a big club. It has been a hard year for us, but when we start to play like a team and gel together, then we are going to see changes and plenty of success.'