Ruud van Nistelrooy has accused Alex Ferguson of stabbing him in the back.

The Holland international left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in the summer in a £10.5million transfer following a highly-publicised rift with the United boss.

The striker had enjoyed a prolific five-year period with United but now he claims he was treated badly by his former manager towards the end of his United career.

Van Nistelrooy said: "The first three-quarters of last season went well for me but the final part is best forgotten.

"My situation with Sir Alex started to change and it became difficult for me and him to work together.

"I had previously had a marvellous relationship with him. But in February we played the Carling cup final against Wigan and I remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

"To me this felt like a stab in the back."  PA