Cruyff's Ruud words for United
The former Barcelona boss also feels United's elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Porto was no great shock, and insists the reigning Premiership champions were only amongst the favourites on reputation.
Still a huge influence at Camp Nou, Cruyff believes the failure of Sir Alex Ferguson's side to challenge for Europe's top honours this term should persuade the Barca top brass to abandon any plans to try and prise van Nistelrooy away from Old Trafford.
"I hope that the elimination of United from Europe, and the fact that they have almost no chance of winning the Premiership, mean that those at Barcelona who believe that everything would come up roses if they signed Ruud van Nistelrooy are thinking again," Cruyff told The Guardian.
"OK he has his qualities, obviously, but the type of striker who is a big hit in England would not necessarily be a big hit over here in La Liga."
"Loads of people considered Manchester United being knocked out as the shock of the round, but I was not surprised in the least.
"History and tradition don't count when a team has your number and I could see from the first round that Porto had United's number."
In a statement certain to further ruffle feathers at Old Trafford, Cruyff went on to declare that he hoped United's bitter rivals Arsenal would win the UEFA Champions Champions League this year, and insisted he, and the rest of Europe, would feel 'proud' if they did so.
"I think they (Arsenal) can go all the way and win the Champions League," he continued.
"If Arsenal win the tournament playing football the way only they know how then Europe would be proud to have such champions.
"I watch Arsenal all the time and I admire their style.
"In previous seasons they have played sublime football but gone out of the Champions League prematurely.
"They have loads of players I love to watch, not just Thierry Henry but Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Jose Reyes.
"Those guys are special footballers who raise themselves and their team above the ordinary."
