Ruud van Nistelrooy wants urgent talks with Manchester United regarding his future or, indeed, lack of at the club.

After being relegated to the United bench and eventually exiled altogether by Alex Ferguson, van Nistelrooy found himself axed by Holland boss Marco van Basten last night.

Van Nistelrooy's services were not called upon even though Holland were eventually beaten 1-0 by Portugal in an incredible World Cup knockout clash which saw both sides reduced to nine men.

But, if there is one consolation from a defeat which cost the Dutch a quarter-final meeting with England, it is that van Nistelrooy can now focus on establishing whether he still has a future at Old Trafford.

"I would like the situation to be sorted out sooner rather than later," said the 29-year-old. "There must be some sort of contact between the club and myself over the next few days.

"As I have said a number of times before, if nothing happens I will be at Manchester United next season.

"Maybe in the coming weeks, we have to see what United do and whether other clubs get involved. Whatever will happen will happen. I have to assess the situation and see what is the best for me."

Bayern Munich have already expressed a firm interest in Van Nistelrooy, insisting the likely transfer fee and high wages would not be a problem.

Armed with the near £30million fee they received from Chelsea for Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan are also set to be serious players in the hunt to sign one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol is also sure to make a speculative inquiry should United attempt to push through the transfer of Michael Carrick.

Ferguson has yet to offer a public opinion on van Nistelrooy since complaining about the negative influence the striker was having on United's training ground.

At the time, van Nistelrooy sought immediate sanctuary with the Dutch squad, although he has now found van Basten is not quite as big a fan as he previously thought.

"I had a good discussion with the coach," said van Nistelrooy of a Thursday meeting at which van Basten informed him he was not contributing enough to the overall team effort.

"It was a hard discussion between us and I said what I wanted. I didn't totally agree with him but I accepted and respected his decision.

"I was happy he at least came to me and told me. Whether I agreed with the decision or not, I had to take it and move on. Now, I have to put the emotion of the World Cup behind me and think about my future."  PA