Top 10 strikers of the Premier League era

#3 Rudd Van Nistelrooy

Rudd Van Nistelrooy was an immense fan favorite at Old Trafford

Clubs: Manchester United

EPL Apps: 150

Goals: 95

Assists: 14

League titles: 1

Individual accolades: 1 x Golden Boot, 1 x Player of the Season

When Rudd Van Nistelrooy donned the red shirt against Barcelona legends this September, he got a warm and well-deserved welcome from the Old Trafford crowd, with the love clearly visible in their eyes. It seemed like nothing had changed since his controversial departure in 2006.

Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were already nearing their respective ends at Old Trafford, and that set Sir Alex searching for the next worthy successor in the forward line. Sure enough, it was the time for the flying Dutchman to set the Premier League alight with his talents.

Rudd Van Nistelrooy had everything you would want in a legendary striker; vision, skills, precise finishing and good in the air. Couple that with his strong leadership qualities and United had a worthy rival for Thierry Henry playing in the famous red shirt.

Van Nistelrooy was grace personified, simply for the way he glided on the pitch. The Dutchman was in love with David Beckham's inch-perfect crosses, making it a routine to put the England captain's crosses in the back of the net.

He wasn't just a clinical finisher, he was also a master dribbler and his hold up play was brilliant as well

Undoubtedly, the Dutchman will remain an immortal figure both in Manchester and the Premier League.