Everton star Wayne Rooney was superb on his punditry debut, joining Jamie Carragher in the studio for Sky Sports Monday Night Football show.

The former Manchester United captain spoke candidly about a number of subjects, including legendary Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The 41-year-old striker famously left Manchester under a cloud in 2006, joining Real Madrid after failing to turn up to the final game of United's 05/06 Premier League season.

Van Nistelrooy's last season at Old Trafford was tarnished by fights with fellow players and even Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite the goings-on off the pitch, he is still fondly remembered as one of the finest goalscorer's in the club's history.

When asked if Van Nistelrooy's issue was because he and Cristiano Ronaldo were both battling it out to be United's main man, Rooney replied: "No, because at that time Cristiano wasn't near the level he is now.

"I think Ruud was used to David Beckham, getting the ball down Giggs getting the ball down putting crosses into the box getting on the end of them.

"And then Cristiano came in and started chopping back, chopping back and he got frustrated with it and I think it was probably the right time for Ruud to move and the likes of myself, Cristiano, Darren Fletcher to come through and be the next generation of the team.

"But he was fantastic. It was the first season he was brilliant. The second season you could see there were issues with him and Cristiano. One of them had to give and I think Alex Ferguson made the right decision. You knew if you played him in he'd score."

So there you have it - Van Nistelrooy was sold due to the emergence of Ronaldo and their inability to work together.

Ferguson was proved right when the Portuguese winger - who was also eventually sold to Real Madrid - became one of the finest footballers on the planet.

"He [Van Nistelrooy] was brilliant. And he's probably still the best finisher I've played with," Rooney added.

"He was a bit like Harry Kane, he just wants scoring. He hates not scoring. You'd win the game 4-0 and if he didn't score he'd sit there in the corner on his own. Be gutted."

Did Fergie make the right decision by getting rid of Van Nistelrooy in his pomp? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.