Manchester United [ Images ] striker Ruud van Nistelrooy [ Images ] left Old Trafford on Sunday before his side's Premier League game against Charlton Athletic.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy has gone home and will not play against Charlton," United said in a statement.

"We are not prepared to say anything as we are concentrating on the game against Charlton."

Speculation has surrounded the Dutchman's future at the club with the 29-year-old apparently falling out of favour with Alex Ferguson [ Images ] in recent months.

Frenchman Louis Saha and teenage Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi [ Images ] start up front against Charlton. Second-placed United can secure the second automatic Champions League [ Images ] place with a win over the London [ Images ] side.