Van Nistelrooy to talk over future with United

TITISEE, Germany, June 26 (Reuters) Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy today said he would be discussing his future with Manchester United after watching his country's World Cup exit at the hands of Portugal from the bench.

Van Nistelrooy was also out of favour at Old Trafford towards the end of last season with France striker Louis Saha the first choice of coach Alex Ferguson.

''I must get away from the World Cup and deal with it, then I will think about my future,'' Van Nistelrooy told the official Manchester United Web site.

''Maybe in this coming week we have to see what United do and if there are a lot of teams getting involved.'' Although hinting at the involvement of other clubs, the Dutchman added that he may well remain at Old Trafford next season.

''Whatever happens will happen,'' he said. ''I have to assess that and see what is best for me. There must be some kind of contact between the club and myself. If nothing happens I'll be at United next season.'' BEEN DROPPED After the Netherlands' 1-0 exit from the World Cup in Nuremberg yesterday, Van Nistelrooy said he had talks with national coach Marco van Basten having been dropped for the match.

The striker, 29, for eight years the spearhead of the Dutch attack, was not even used as a substitute as they chased an equaliser to Maniche's 23rd-minute winner.

''I had a lively discussion with him (Van Basten) and we spoke man to man,'' Van Nistelrooy told reporters today.

''That gave me a good feeling, though I did not agree with him on certain points but respected and accepted his decision (to be dropped).

''You always hope for the ultimate confidence of the coach but it is no disaster,'' added Van Nistelrooy.

''Against Portugal someone else played and even then we could have beaten them.'' He played in all three Group C matches and scored in the 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast but was clearly off his best form.

Despite his problems, Van Nistelrooy, who made way for Dirk Kuyt in the lineup against Portugal, made clear he had no plans to retire as an international.

''I have proved myself at the highest level for years already and everyone should know what I can mean for a team,'' he said.

REUTERS SB RK2229