Louis Saha: Flop or the Future?

[Busby Boy]

Last January it seemed Louis Saha was on his way out of Old Trafford, with a move for Michael Owen seemingly in the pipelines and a return to Fulham for £12m man. Since then though Louis Saha has turned his United career around amazingly and to such dramatic effect.

Saha has seemingly forced one of United's most successful strikers ever out of the club and played such a major part in United winning the Carling Cup and finishing second last season, after pushing Chelsea all the way in the title race.


Louis Saha joined United and was equal with 20 goals with Ruud van Nistelrooy in the season's tallies. After he signed he was unfortunately injury prone and constantly struck down with injuries while on international duty. Knee injuries are his speciality something which has lead to the nickname Mr. Glass Knee.

Saha's attitude has been second to none though, he wanted success at United and on numerous occasions stated he wasn't here for a short period, he wanted to be part of something big. Every time an injury would knock him back but Saha would dust himself up and get on with his rehabilitation.

Come 2005-06 and Saha was played in League Cup games and sparingly in the league by Sir Alex. Saha scored in most League Cup games and thoroughly deserved a spot in the

Carling Cup Final, something which was overshadowed by Fergie's right decision to rest/drop Ruud and give Saha his chance to shine.

Saha scored in a 4-0 romp and went onto become one of United's top scorers notching 17 goals in a formidable triad of Ruud, Rooney and himself.

Whilst Saha was on fire Fergie had other pressing matters on his hands. What to do with Ruud?

Ruud van Nistelrooy's attitude had dropped to an all-time low which was epitomized by his penalty miss versus Middlesbrough. Could it be his attitude changed due to his arguments with Cristiano Ronaldo or had he become upset with the fact he was being overlooked by Fergie? At the time it had seemed it was to do with the Cup Final snub but recently new evidence has come to light.

Ferguson has said Ruud has asked out (either himself or through his agent) on two times prior to his recent transfer request. One occasion being before the FA Cup Final versus Arsenal in which United lost on penalties after dominating but missing that cutting edge up front. Coincidence, that the weekend our usually deadly front man had asked for a transfer? We don't know but since May 2005, Van the Man's decline had started and Saha's rise had begun.

Whatever happens with United and Saha it seems Van Nistelrooy is leaving and I sincerely hope that Ruud van Nistelrooy, a fans favourite, enjoys the rest of his career and is as big a success in

Germany or Spain as he has been in the Republik of Mancunia. Every weekend Manchester United fans, Old Trafford or elsewhere, will remember Ruud with a chant.

But, what is plain to see is that Saha has forced himself into the reckoning and gave Fergie reasons to be cheerful should Ruud leave and the Torres 'deal' not go ahead.

What needs to happen though is Saha has one season injury-free, then he will prove how vital he is to United and how successful his career at Old Trafford will be. Season 2006-07 is vital in the career of Louis Saha, one injury could wreck it all but an injury-free one could be the start of something special for the Manchester United number nine.

[Red Yank]

I don't think most of us doubt Saha's ability, and we've seem that with him and Rooney up front they are a threat to many a Prem team's defense. The big question is how long will he go injury free because our depth with strikers isn't that deep; I think our alternatives of Smith, Rossi and Ole (provided he isn't played in a role further back) might lack the edge against other European clubs in the CL. Now I'm certainly hope I'm wrong and Saha comes out ready to go and scores goals everywhere, Rossi has a great year and Smith can do well in the striker role. Here's to Saha and a great year for him and all of us!

#cheers#

[Busby Boy]

I've edited it.

[Red Devil Mikey]

Saha for now would be the best option to play alongside Rooney up front

[hyderedphil]

If he stays fit a very good player, if RVN goes we will need a top class front man.

[onenedkelly]

Here's hoping he can stay fit, he showed us last season that he's become a much better player since joining us it's just a pity he hasn't had a good run in the team.

Here's hoping he stays fit cos from what we have seen I think we all agree he's got what it takes to play up front next season if need be.

[Sky Sports 1]

I remember him playing for Fulham, absolutely lethal if left in a bit of space, powerful finishing and accurate at that. Here's hoping he stays injury free #thumb#

[stonecarver]

He's a quality player and if he stays injury free ( ie a good long run in the team ) I think he will really prove himself. Last season he did well. When you considering the makeshift feel to the midfield he did fantastically well. His pace is a real threat.
I suppose, as we all know, its the midfield that needs sorting. Once that is strengthened our attack will improve drastically.
But I still want Torres.

[chiff]

Without doubt it was him being in the team and not Ruud that kick started the back-end run. In his favour, he's mobile and makes lots of space for Roon and Ronny. But not only does he seem a bit prone to niggles but he's a finisher a bit like Andy Cole #clap# , needs a lot of chances to score a few.
I like him and think the team play better with him but he's a 25 matches a season man at most..........and I do wish he was as clinical as Ruud was 2 years ago.

[moxdevil]

I wouldn't say that Saha forced Ruud out of the team, i think Ruud did that on his own with his lacklustre performances and poor attitude, but Saha has certainly been the antidote to Ruud last season- Good attitude, high work rate, actively involved in the team work, and scoring the goals. No doubt that Saha's presence in the united team coincided with us playing more like a united team instead of looking for Ruud all the time. Perhaps if Saha stays fit and consistently performs he might not get as many goals as Ruud has done for united in a season but it may mean we look more like a team.

[karlgr]

He suits our new game more than Ruud.

[rewdie]

If he stays fit? Sure, but to have Smith Rossia and Ole as backup isnt encouraging for the season, what if Sahas out for say 5 months?? We at least need a rotational striker or someone to challenge for the first team, I woudnt mind Defore tbh I think Fergie could make him shine

[chiff]

rewdie said:

If he stays fit? Sure, but to have Smith Rossia and Ole as backup isnt encouraging for the season, what if Sahas out for say 5 months?? We at least need a rotational striker or someone to challenge for the first team, I woudnt mind Defore tbh I think Fergie could make him shine

Do you think that Defoe will want more as a rotational striker or to go to somewhere like Villa etc where he'll play every week. One of his main problems is that he's definitely a confidence player, and playing now and then doesn't suit him.

[matkaman]

If no forwards are brought in i hope to see Rossi and Rooney up front exciting prospect as for Saha he is by no means a flop great player to have within the squad,i think time has come for Utd to be less predictable.

[donkeadrogba]

Saha and Rooney play far far far too similarly but the problem Saha has is that Rooney does it like 100x better than he does and so when they play together Saha goes very quiet, just watch, next time the play together they drop back into very similar positions but yet it's Rooney who shines.

Saha is an ok sub, but the future of the club? Non!