PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy addresses Cody Gakpo Manchester United theory after Rangers loss

Ruud van Nistelrooy has dismissed suggestions that Cody Gakpo was distracted by rumours linking him with Manchester United after PSV Eindhoven were beaten by Rangers on Wednesday night.

United are thought to be interested in a move for the Dutch attacker, and a deal for the 23-year-old could prove to be easier to complete after PSV failed to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

The Eredivisie side lost 3-2 on aggregate to Scottish giants Rangers - losing 1-0 at home on Wednesday after drawing 2-2 at Ibrox last week. Gakpo was criticised by some people for his performance against Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side. The youngster arguably had PSV’s two best chances of the match but was unable to find the back of the net on either occasion.

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His PSV future was one of the major talking points before the second leg, with a number of clubs - including United - thought to be interested in securing his signature. However, his manager believes that he dealt with the distractions well and gave everything on the pitch for PSV, despite failing to impact the tie.

Asked for his thoughts on the forward's performance in the second leg, Van Nistelrooy said: "I think he fought and he did everything he could. He was a threat. He had some good opportunities in the first half and also one in the second half, but unfortunately he couldn’t score one of those chances. But he was definitely there and did everything he could for the team and the club."

Before the defeat to Rangers, former United star Van Nistelrooy praised Gakpo for the manner in which he has dealt with the speculation surrounding his future. He said on Tuesday: "I think I am very relaxed about the