Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was preparing to criticise Ruud van Nistelrooy well before the end of yesterday's victory over Charlton.
Fergie took a swipe at Van Nistelrooy in his programme notes.
He said: "If there is a non-trier, he deserves to be singled out. You cannot kid supporters.
"They are very sensitive to that kind of situation - and so am I."
Van Nistelrooy's former club PSV Eindhoven are favourites to land the player for between £5million and £8m. Spurs are also interested.
The Dutch star's relationship with Ferguson has deteriorated since he was left out of the Carling Cup final in February.
Fergie reckoned the player did not try hard enough in the previous game, an FA Cup defeat against Liverpool.
Van Nistelrooy has since cut a miserable figure around United.
He privately told friends and family he was ready to leave. Van Nistelrooy, who joined from PSV for £19m in July 2001, will be remembered by fans as one of the club's greatest strikers. He will end his Old Trafford career with 150 goals from 200 starts and 19 substitute appearances.
Fergie took a swipe at Van Nistelrooy in his programme notes.
He said: "If there is a non-trier, he deserves to be singled out. You cannot kid supporters.
"They are very sensitive to that kind of situation - and so am I."
Van Nistelrooy's former club PSV Eindhoven are favourites to land the player for between £5million and £8m. Spurs are also interested.
The Dutch star's relationship with Ferguson has deteriorated since he was left out of the Carling Cup final in February.
Fergie reckoned the player did not try hard enough in the previous game, an FA Cup defeat against Liverpool.
Van Nistelrooy has since cut a miserable figure around United.
He privately told friends and family he was ready to leave. Van Nistelrooy, who joined from PSV for £19m in July 2001, will be remembered by fans as one of the club's greatest strikers. He will end his Old Trafford career with 150 goals from 200 starts and 19 substitute appearances.
