Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Ruud Van Nistelrooy after the Dutch striker equalled his club's European goal-scoring record on Tuesday.

Van Nistelrooy's headed goal in the 2-0 win that secured top spot in Group E for United, was his 28th in European competition for the English champions, drawing him level with Denis Law.

"It's a phenomenal record and he is a phenomenal player," said Ferguson. "It was not an easy chance. He just caught the goalkeeper wrong-footed. He's got years ahead of him, which is great."

Van Nistelrooy also laid on the second goal for Ryan Giggs and Ferguson believes the 27-year-old Dutch international is developing into the complete player.

"That's purely down to the time he has been with us," he added. "He is getting better and he's maturing.

"He works seriously at his football and you are seeing a more complete and rounded player than last year.

"You saw in the second half of last season that he gets better at this time."

United's comfortable win avenged defeat in Germany and was their 13th victory in an unbeaten home run stretching back 16 games in the Champions League.

Winning the group means they will now play a runner-up from one of the other groups in the last 16.

"It was important from one aspect to keep our home record going. Our home record has been outstanding," said Ferguson.

"It may also get us an easier type draw, but you can't get a much easier draw as the second-placed teams are very formidable.

"The most important issue against Stuttgart is to get in front. That makes them change their game. We were fortunate enough to get a goal just before halftime and that made it very difficult for Stuttgart.

"They are a good team and that says a lot for Manchester United to score two goals against them. Given their record this season we are very pleased about that."

Another success for United was Paul Scholes's performance, the England international excelling for 79 minutes in his first start since October 22 following groin surgery.

"When you see some of the things he did, the passes, his composure and vision, it reminds you what we have missed over the past seven weeks," Ferguson said. "He's a great player and great players are always missed."

Stuttgart coach Felix Magath was left to rue his side's lack of top quality players.

"We play well as a team and work well as a team unit," he said. "What we lack are players of the quality of Van Nistelrooy and Giggs and you could see that tonight.

"I can see the possibility of Manchester United going all the way."