Van Nistelrooy thanks the fans

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY offered a "big thank you" to Manchester United's fans after being named the Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year.

The Dutchman beat off the challenge of Robert Pires, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Thierry Henry to claim the prestigious award in London last night.

Van Nistelrooy was quick to praise the Old Trafford faithful who have inspired his goalscoring exploits since his pounds 19 million summer move from PSV Eindhoven.

He said: "I'm so grateful to the fans of United because they gave me a great welcome. From the very first day they lifted my game so I owe them a big thank you."

But van Nistelrooy had words of caution ahead of United's Champions League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen, urging his team- mates not to underestimate the Germans.

He said: "Winning the Champions League would be great but we have to get past Bayer Leverkusen who are a tough side.

"I saw them play against Liverpool and they were impressive, so we have to be at the top of our game to beat them."

The Dutch international admitted he was overjoyed just to be playing at the top level after overcoming a careerthreatening knee injury.

Van Nistelrooy became the second successive United striker to pick up the award, following in the footsteps of Teddy Sheringham last year, and afterwards he spoke of his pride.

He said: "This is the proudest moment in my career because the players of the Premiership, the best league in Europe, have voted for me.

" Playing for Manchester United is a fantastic feeling but then again so is just playing, because when I was injured there were doubts I would play again."

Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy was named Young Player of the Year and he immediately set his sights on a place in next season's Champions League.

Newcastle are locked in a battle with Chelsea and Leeds for the final Champions League place and Bellamy believes qualification would be enough to keep the Tynesiders at the top level for the near future.

The Welsh international said: "Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are that little bit stronger and if we are going to get anywhere we need Champions League football next year.

"Then we can sign new players and build and get stronger. We have some good young players and will get better as a team."

Bellamy has already warned van Nistelrooy to expect a challenge for the Players' Player of the Year honour next season.

"I've just spoken to Ruud van Nistelrooy and I said to him my aim is to win the main award," he said. "But it's just unbelievable to win the young player and when I look down the list of past winners it's amazing."

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