Ruud relaxed over captaincy

Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he does not worry about being Man Utd's captain long term.

The Dutch hot shot is currently wearing the captain's armband following last week's sudden departure of Roy Keane.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is still to decide who will take on the job in the long term, with Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs also candidates.

Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have also been skipper over the past 12 months, but van Nistelrooy is currently in pole position for the role.

But even if Ferguson does not nominate van Nistelrooy to pick up Keane's mantle, the prolific striker still aims to lead by example.

"As for the captaincy, I just do it," said van Nistelrooy. "I feel a responsibility in every game I play, with or without the armband.

"But every time I am captain is a proud moment for me.

"The manager hasn't decided what happens long term and I don't think about whether I would like it permanently because the gaffer will decide.

"After that, we just get on with our business. It doesn't matter who it will be, it's not important."

Van Nistelrooy also sounded a rallying cry to his team-mates to make sure the club's UEFA Champions League destiny remains in their own hands by beating Benfica in their final group game.

He added: "When it comes to Benfica in Lisbon, to make sure of qualifying we have to win.

"If we draw, we need Villarreal to beat Lille. So a draw would mean it is not in our hands.

"The Lisbon match is a must win. They have to win as well, so it's going to be a hell of a game.

"Everyone will have to be at their best in Lisbon. We have to deal with the situation."