Van Nistelrooy Manis di Debut, Manchester Menang
Ruud van Nistelrooy's debut for Manchester United was a sweet one. The Dutch striker scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on August 19, 2001, marking a successful start to his career at Old Trafford.
The arrival of Van Nistelrooy had been highly anticipated by Manchester United fans. The Dutch striker had been a prolific goalscorer for PSV Eindhoven, and he was expected to fill the void left by the departure of Andy Cole.
The debut performance lived up to the hype. Van Nistelrooy opened the scoring in the 16th minute, latching onto a pass from David Beckham and firing a shot past Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen. He added his second goal in the 58th minute, completing a neat one-two with Juan Sebastián Verón and finishing with a powerful shot.
"I felt very welcome, like I had been here for years," said Van Nistelrooy after the game. "It was a dream come true to score on my debut, and to score two goals was even better."
His debut performance earned him praise from manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who called him a "fantastic signing." The Manchester United boss said: "He is a great finisher, a clinical striker, and he will be a huge asset to our team."
Van Nistelrooy's arrival signaled a new era for Manchester United. He formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Dwight Yorke, and the two were instrumental in the club's success in the following years.
The 4-0 victory over Bolton was a perfect start for Van Nistelrooy and Manchester United. It showcased his talent and promised a bright future for the Dutch striker at Old Trafford.
In addition to the on-field performance, Van Nistelrooy's debut also generated significant media attention. He was quickly embraced by the fans and became a popular figure in Manchester. His success on the pitch, coupled with his charisma off it, helped cement his status as a true Manchester United legend.
The impact of Van Nistelrooy's debut can still be felt today. His goalscoring prowess and fierce determination inspired a generation of Manchester United players. His story serves as a reminder of the impact a single performance can have on a club, and the lasting legacy a player can build with a strong start.