Van Nistelrooy: Player should be mentally tough to play at Man Utd centre

Ruud van Nistelrooy said a player needs to be mentally tough to be Manchester United’s centre-forward.

The Dutchman says the role is a huge responsibility.

“It’s a big responsibility, of course,” Van Nistelrooy told Rio Ferdinand’s Youtube channel.

“When people are welcoming you, everyone is on a great positive vibe and that’s the beginning. After one or two seasons, the responsibility and you start to feel that, with every game.

“That’s the pressure you have to deal with. As the expectations grow, the press are there, one game you don’t score and it’s a big problem. That’s something you have to deal with and it’s a huge responsibility.”