[machoman]

Louis can be United goal king, says Ferguson
Sunday, September 02, 2007, 08:17:45 HRS

Sir Alex Ferguson will look to Louis Saha to kick-start Manchester United's season after the French striker made a goal-scoring return following his long-term injury problems.

Saha has struggled with ankle and knee injuries since the turn of the year and made his first appearance since early may in the single-goal defeat of Sunderland.

The forward's match-winner was his first Premiership goal since last December and with Wayne Rooney missing for at least another month with a broken foot, United manager Ferguson admitted he was relieved to have Saha back.

The champions have struggled so far with Rooney and the suspended Ronaldo, managing just three goals in five Premiership games.

And Ferguson believes the return of Saha with give United a major boost as he attempts to blend new arrivals Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson into his side.

"We needed someone like Louis against Sunderland," the manager said.

"He showed his penetration, his strength, his speed. He's a great asset to have and of course we have been missing him for the last eight months now.

"He has come through fine and we are delighted at that also because after being out for such a long time we are aware that kind of injury can come back again but thankfully he is okay.

"Our front four haven't played together before. It was Anderson's first game, Tevez playing through on his own when I think he is far better playing behind someone, Chris Eagles is a young lad, Nani, it's new to them."

Ferguson believes the two-week international break will ensure Saha is fresh to resume when United travel to Everton on September 15.

"The break will give them a chance to recover and get ready for the next game at Goodison," he added

"It's a big game because we will be in Europe immediately after so it's an exciting time but by then we will have Ronaldo back for certain."

Roy Keane admitted Sunderland's narrow defeat at Old Trafford meant much more than the rousing reception he received at Old Trafford on his first visit to his former club as a manager.

Keane's side have now suffered four straight defeats but the manager is convinced his promoted team have enough to survive their first season back in the top flight.

"The result overshadowed the occasion but I did enjoy the reception, it was very, very nice, but straight after the game it's all about getting the right result," he said.

"We didn't quite make it but overall there were good signs for us.

"I didn't really get sucked into it and get bogged down with it, I just got on with the match. Of course I appreciated it but United fans have always been good to me even the time when I let the club down as a player.

"I am comfortable in where we are and where we are trying to go. We are obviously on the back of playing Liverpool and United and that was always going to be a testing time for us.

"But we have a two-week break coming up, we had a couple of lads making their debuts, and I more than confident we will be alright come the end of the season.

"There will be disappointments along the way but we will just lick our wounds and get on with it."

- AFP