Louis Saha: Flop or the Future?

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.

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