Sir Alex Ferguson will decide whether to transfer-list Ruud van Nistelrooy in the next day or two after the striker reacted to being dropped by leaving Old Trafford before Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat of Charlton.

The Dutchman’s reaction to demotion looks certain to have sealed his departure and bring to a head a feud which has arisen since Ferguson omitted him from the Carling Cup final in February.

Matters came to a head when Ferguson informed his players during yesterday’s pre-match meal that Giuseppe Rossi would make a full league debut in Van Nistelrooy’s place.

The Dutchman immediately left the club and headed home.

“There have been a couple of issues in training during the last week that have concerned me in terms of the team spirit,” Ferguson said.

“It was such an important day I wanted everyone to be together and because of that I felt Ruud should be left out. I will be discussing it with the club’s directors tomorrow and Tuesday.”

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