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'I used to sit there and think this guy is mad': Rio Ferdinand reveals the depth of Ruud van Nistelrooy's rivalry with Thierry Henry during Manchester United and Arsenal's glory years

Rio Ferdinand has revealed Ruud van Nistelrooy's intense rivalry with fellow striker Thierry Henry pushed him on to new heights during his time at Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 while Henry signed for Arsenal in 1999.

The two forwards led the line for their respective clubs while Manchester United and Arsenal were going head to head for domestic honours in the early noughties.

Ruud van Nistelrooy led the line for Manchester United during the early noughties
Thierry Henry's Arsenal battled Van Nistelrooy's Manchester United for major honours

And Ferdinand has said former Old Trafford team-mate Van Nistelrooy would not be happy if Henry outscored him on the same matchday – even if Manchester United had picked up all three points.