Ruud van Nistelrooy eyes shock return to Manchester United?

With Manchester United languishing seventh in the Premier League table, their need for a proven goalscorer is greater than ever before.

So it's just as well club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is back training in red colours.

The Dutch striker, who scored a very impressive 150 goals in 219 games for United between 2001 and 2006, has been busy working out in the gym and on the practice pitch ahead of a possible playing return.

In a set of leaked pictures, Van Nistelrooy, who helped United to Premier League and FA Cup glory, is seen hitting punchbags, fine-tuning his dribbling skills and even lifting tyres to get in shape.

Van Nistelrooy, who is now 37 and 'retired' after leaving Malaga in 2012, revealed on Twitter this week that he is training six times a week to return to the high level of fitness that saw him terrorise defenders at his peak.

The ultimate poacher, Van Nistelrooy has reliably scored goals wherever he's played - at PSV Eindhoven, United, Real Madrid, Hamburg and Malaga, not to mention the 35 goals in 70 games for Holland.

He has been dropping regular hints as to a comeback on his Twitter account, posting at the end of January: 'As soon as I put the boots on again, feels like I never left. Glad to be back #training again.'

And two days ago, he wrote intriguingly: 'Thanks for all your support. I've got some exciting news to share with you soon.'

And, on Friday, Van Nistelrooy appeared with his agent before the media in Holland, confirming his return to the football field.