Van Nistelrooy has suffered a miserable season plagued by injury trouble but his recent return to form indicates he is beginning to re-discover his scoring touch.

The Dutchman scored in United's last two Premiership games of the season - against Chelsea and Southampton - and now has 16 goals to his name this term.

"Scoring goals is what he does best," Ferguson said after the Dutchman converted the winning goal at St.Mary's against Southampton.

It seems that the 28-year-old striker, who scored a brace in last year's Final, is ready for the challenge that Arsenal present.

"That game will have done him the world of good," Ferguson commented. "He played almost 90 minutes and he should be 100% for The Final."

There was further good news for the Old Trafford club in the shape of injured full-back Gabriel Heinze, who may still recover from ankle ligament damage in time for Saturday.

"We are hopeful, although we don't know for sure," Ferguson told MUTV. "Even if he doesn't resume training until Tuesday, then I would wait for him. I will wait as long as we can.

"He deserves to play in The Final. He's been one of the stars of the team this season so we should wait for him."