Van Nistelrooy released almost six weeks of pent-up frustration by hitting the only goal of the game as United made it seven league wins out of seven by defeating West Ham United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

In doing so, van Nistelrooy became the first player to score 20 Premiership goals this season, yet his place in the starting line-up at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday is by no means guaranteed.

"Ruud's the best in Europe for doing that (scoring)," said Ferguson, as his side powered five points clear of third-placed Liverpool in the race to qualify automatically for next season's Champions League.

"It was Ruud's first game for a few weeks. He needed that game and scored a most important goal for us, a vital goal.

"That's the kind of response we want to see.

"I have a tough choice to make but that's what I want."

Van Nistelrooy's 149th goal for United ensures Ferguson's side, who were 18 points adrift three weeks ago, have now reduced Chelsea's lead at the Premiership summit to nine points with seven games remaining.