Tuesday, May 23 2006 16:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Lausanne: Dutch international striker Ruud van Nistelrooy said on Monday that it might be better if he were to leave English Premiership giants Manchester United after falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 29-year-old, scorer of 150 goals in 200 starts for United since joining in a 19-million-pound transfer from PSV Eindhoven five years ago, had a stand up row with Ferguson at a training session shortly before their last match of the season and was sent home.

While van Nistelrooy said he didn't want to make any decisions about his future till after the World Cup which runs from June 9 to July 9 in Germany - he hinted that he would prefer to leave.

"Am I going to leave or stay at Manchester United? Anything is possible... but perhaps it is best that I leave," said van Nistelrooy, who was speaking at the Dutch training camp.

"However on the other hand I still have two years left on my contract.

"I will deal with all that after the World Cup. For the moment I am focussing solely on the team here and my agent knows not to disturb me with stories about possible transfers," he said.

Van Nistelrooy's bust-up with Ferguson - who has previously seen other United icons like David Beckham and Roy Keane leave after their relations soured has alerted several top clubs including Serie A's Inter Milan, Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid and two Premiership teams, Spurs and Newcastle.