Rio Ferdinand reacts after Manchester United great Ruud van Nistelrooy sends message to Sir Alex Ferguson

Ruud van Nistelrooy says it was a “proud moment” to have Sir Alex Ferguson watching him manage PSV in person on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United icon was watching his former striker conduct his players in their 2-2 Champions League play-off first leg draw with Rangers at Ibrox. Van Nistelrooy is in his first season in senior management, having stepped into the PSV hot seat this summer.

He is yet to be beaten in his first five matches having already seen off Monaco in the previous Champions league qualifying round. Van Nistelrooy joined United from PSV in 2001, staying for five years and scoring 150 goals in 219 games.

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He won a Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Old Trafford to go down as one of the club’s greats and one of Sir Alex’s most successful signings. The Dutchman relayed his delight that his former boss had come to watch him as he embarks on his dugout career.

After humouring that he would be happy if he was “one per cent” as successful as Sir Alex was, he added: “It was a proud moment for me that he actually watched me coach my team, manage my team.

“I’m glad he’s well. I spoke to him just briefly: he’s well, he’s looking great. He’s well and his family’s well so it’s great to see him. As I said before, that he sees me down the touchline at Ibrox, it’s a proud moment.”

Reacting to a picture of the pair that Van Nistelrooy shared on Instagram, former United defender Rio Ferdinand wrote: "Love this.... Hair dryer come out again?!"

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