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.
VAN NISTELROOY VS HENRY PL GOALS
Premier League goals only based on spell when both Ruud van Nistelrooy and Thierry Henry played in England:
Van Nistelrooy
2001-02: 23 goals
2002-03: 25
2003-04: 20
2004-05: 6
2005-06: 21
Total: 95 goals
Henry
2001-02: 24 goals
2002-03: 24
2003-04: 30
2004-05: 25
2005-06: 27
Total: 130 goals
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.