On this day in 2004, Ruud van Nistelrooy struck twice to rescue a Champions League draw against Lyon and become Manchester United’s record European goalscorer.
United found themselves 2-0 down in France before Van Nistelrooy struck twice in five second-half minutes to earn a 2-2 draw.
The double took the Dutchman to 30 European goals for United, surpassing Denis Law’s previous club record of 28.
#OnThisDay 15th of September 2004:
United were tailing Lyon 2-0 at half time.
Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two in the second half.
They were his 29th & 30th European goals for the club and he overtook Denis Law as our all time European goalscorer
— Cantona Collars AKA Larry (@Cantona_Collars) September 15, 2026
Photo: Martin Rickett/PA
