Ferguson backing Saha’s partnership with van Nistelrooy
Saha completed his acrimonious move from Fulham yesterday, signing a five-and-a-half year deal to become the fourth most expensive player in Manchester United’s history.
And Ferguson quashed suggestions the 25-year-old Frenchman has been brought in as back-up for van Nistelrooy, insisting he sees Saha as a partner for his free-scoring Dutchman.
“We are going to work with them as a partnership and see how they respond to the challenge of playing with each other,” said Ferguson.
“The last really effective combination we had was the one between Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole that was integral to winning the European Cup in 1999. Hopefully this one will be as successful.”
“Louis has different types of qualities to Ruud and I think they will do well together.”
Ferguson revealed that his interest in Saha dated back to an FA Cup tie with Fulham at Craven Cottage in 2001 when the Londoners were still in the First Division.
He backed off when Fulham were promoted that season, even when Saha scored twice at Old Trafford in the first game of the following campaign.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s longer-than-anticipated recovery from surgery prompted Ferguson to make a move when the transfer window opened at the start of the month.
“Our original offer was rejected but it started the negotiations ,” he said.
The deal would not have gone through without Saha’s dramatic intervention. Having seen United’s first bid turned down, the 15-goal former Newcastle loan signing feared a collapse of the move so he warned Fulham unless he was allowed to leave immediately, he would eventually go for nothing at the end of his contract.
His outburst caused a storm and wrecked his relationship with the Fulham fans who once adored him but Saha is unrepentant.
“Fulham gave me an opportunity to play in the Premiership and I am grateful for that,” he said.
“But I also helped them get out of the First Division, so I didn’t do a bad job for them. This was a fabulous opportunity for me and when it looked as though the deal was struggling, I decided to step forward.
“Maybe I shocked a few people but sometimes you have to be selfish. I am taking a big step into a new world.”
Anxious to avoid the negative publicity that has emerged over their summer transfer dealings, United revealed they had paid £750,000 in agents fees, without confirming which agents were involved in the deal.
It is the last purchase United expect to make during the window, dismissing suggestions they could launch a £5m bid for Leeds’ James Milner.
Saha will be handed a watching brief for the FA Cup tie at Northampton tomorrow, as he has already played in the competition.
Meanwhile RTÉ has secured the Irish rights for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. RTÉ will cover all 64 matches live, including the final from Berlin.
“Germany 2006 promises to be an exciting tournament, and will again be a huge undertaking for RTÉ, which we look forward to immensely,” Niall Cogley, RTÉ Head of Sport, said.
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