"Ruud is a crucial player for our goals and ambitions. Nobody can have any doubts about that. He is part of our family, of our team, and our needs," Queiroz said.

"His contribution, starting one game or coming on during the game, is always crucial for us. Nobody can have doubts about that. Of course he is part of our plans," he added.

Rumors hinted that Nistelrooy could be on his way out of the Old Trafford at the end of the season after being overlooked by United coach Alex Ferguson in recent matches.

Former Real Madrid manager Queiroz rubbished all the suggestions and insisted that the Premiership joint top scorer's future lies with the Red Devils.

"[He's here] in the short, medium and long term but you cannot be surprised if 50 teams in the world want Ruud," he said.

"There is only one team that does not need to want Ruud and that is Manchester United because we have him.

"We just need to show our commitment and our appreciation to the player because he is a crucial player to us," he added.