Van Nistelrooy, who misses Tuesday's Premier League clash at Highbury with an Achilles injury, was banned for three matches for a crude tackle on Arsenal left back Ashley Cole in United's controversial 2-0 win in the reverse fixture in October.

"Like a lot of Dutch players, there is a darker side to him," Bergkamp was quoted as saying in the London Evening Standard.

The 35-year-old Arsenal stalwart has been criticised himself for some poor challenges in the past and says a nasty streak often goes together with a Dutchman's natural skill.

"I have had moments myself in my career. On one side he is a brilliant footballer but on the other a little bit dirty, like a lot of us.

"You find that many strikers have this mean side to them -- a side which in some ways, they have to have. It helps them stand their ground but it can look clumsy."

The bad blood between Van Nistelrooy and Arsenal began last season when the United striker was shoved around by Arsenal players after missing a late penalty in a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

Four Arsenal players were banned and the club was fined 175,000 pounds ($329,000).

Bergkamp is set to start Tuesday's match, which will be crucial in determining which club can best chase runaway leaders Chelsea in the remaining weeks of the season.

He is pleased Van Nistelrooy will not be playing because of the threat he poses in the box rather than the threat of causing more ugly scenes.

"I knew him during my last year with the Dutch national team. I admire the way he plays football. He is a good player and for that reason it is important that he doesn't play," Bergkamp said.