Ruud van Nistelrooy has opened up on his delight at meeting Sir Alex Ferguson following PSV Eindhoven's draw at Rangers on Tuesday.
The Dutchman spent five years playing under Ferguson at Manchester United, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. His time at Old Trafford ended amid reports of feud between himself and Ferguson, as he saw his playing time diminish.
But it appears that Van Nistelrooy still holds the legendary Scotsman in high regard having met him at Ibrox. Van Nistelrooy was taking charge of PSV for their Champions League play-off first leg against Rangers, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Ferguson was in the stands to watch the game and see how his former player is getting on after taking over at PSV in the summer. And Van Nistelrooy has revealed what they discussed after meeting following the game.
"I was proud that he was able to see my coach my team and manage my team. I’m glad he’s well. I spoke to him just briefly but he’s well and looking great. His family is well. As I say, it was great to see him," the PSV boss said.
"For him to see me on the touchline at Ibrox is a proud moment. I learned so much from him. When you develop yourself as a coach, you obviously look back at the managers you had, what they did, how they formed a team, the style of play and how they managed individuals.
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"He is such an example in that sense. I had a wonderful time here. Sir Alex said: 'Good to see you again'. And he thought it was a beautiful match. He said he was proud of me and he likes seeing me being a coach and running along the side of the pitch."
Van Nistelrooy saw his side score a late equaliser to keep the tie level heading into next Wednesday's second leg. The Dutch side had actually gone ahead in the first-half through Ibrahim Sangare.
But Rangers equalised when Antonio Colak finished off a fine team move before taking the lead when Tom Lawrence saw Walter Benitez fumble his free-kick into his own net. Van Nistelrooy was able to inspire a fightback though, with Armando Obispo heading in to secure a draw.
United target Cody Gakpo played all 90 minutes at Ibrox, though Van Nistelrooy insisted that the winger's future was not a topic of discussion. "We were just talking about how we were. We didn’t really discuss United or players. It was just a personal chat, really," the former striker said.
"Rangers became dangerous at the end but thank goodness we are playing the next leg at home. We are not expecting a lot of difference in Holland. We know what it is like with a great support behind us. That was today as well for Rangers.
"Of course next week we will have that support. But both teams are very level in quality and with playing styles. It is reduced to one game now with the final at home. We have to prepare and be at our best."
