SOCCER: Alex Ferguson has sensationally accused Ruud van Nistelrooy of trying to undermine team spirit at Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy drove away from Old Trafford in a fit of temper three hours before kick-off after being told by Ferguson he would not be in United's starting line-up for the 4-0 win over Charlton.

It is thought he was told he would only be on the bench, with Ferguson instead preferring 19-year-old Giuseppe Rossi as Louis Saha's strike partner. Van Nistelrooy's reaction seemed certain to signal the end of his prolific five-year stint at Old Trafford and any pretence the 29-year-old's future could be salvaged appears to have been swept away completely by Ferguson's damning assessment.

"There have been a couple of incidents in training this week which have concerned me about team spirit," revealed Ferguson.

"This was such an important game for us, I just wanted everyone together so I felt Ruud should be left out of the team.

"Sometimes in management, you have to make tough decisions like that. It was for the benefit of Manchester United.

"I do not need to say anything else about it at the moment. I will discuss it with the directors tomorrow and Tuesday."

If past history is any guide, there will not be too much to discuss. The list of players who have fallen foul of Ferguson's ruthless steak is extensive, including as it does Jim Leighton, Paul Ince, Jaap Stam and David Beckham. Those who have lived to tell the tale are non-existent.

Van Nistelrooy's next competitive appearance seems likely to be in Holland's friendly against Cameroon on May 27th with this summer's World Cup the shop window from which he will hope to gain a move which will salvage his career.