Ferguson: Saha might have quit if omitted from Cup final side

ALEX FERGUSON feared Louis Saha would quit Manchester United in the summer if he had left the French striker out of his Carling Cup final side.

The United boss felt Saha’s five goals earlier in the competition justified his place in the starting line-up to face Wigan even though it came at the expense of prolific Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy was not even introduced as a substitute by Ferguson at the Millennium Stadium and was first off the pitch after the post-match celebrations, sparking speculation about his own future.

But Ferguson’s faith was repaid by an outstanding display from Saha, who scored United’s second goal and helped create another two in their four-goal hammering of the Latics, emphasising the importance of the £12.8 million (€18.7m) former Fulham man to the Red Devils squad.

“There was a danger of losing him,” admitted Ferguson.

“If I didn’t play Louis in the final after he had scored so many goals, he might say ‘I can get a regular place somewhere else’.”

Saha admitted it was a surprise when Ferguson told him he had got the nod over Van Nistelrooy as United set about ensuring they did not go two seasons without winning a trophy.

Such a reaction would have been a shock to the manager though, who - given Saha’s recent record of 10 goals in his last 15 games - felt his selection was automatic.

“I think Louis would have been disappointed if he hadn’t played,” said Ferguson.

“He scored goals throughout the competition, including in both legs of the semi-final, which is some feat. He deserved to play in the final and everything else is secondary.”

The stomach bug which ruled Van Nistelrooy out of Holland’s midweek win over Ecuador could save Ferguson from having to make another tricky decision for Monday’s Premiership to Wigan.

But in the long term, the Scot must carry out a delicate balancing act, not made easier because he has ruled out the prospect of fielding Van Nistelrooy, Saha and Wayne Rooney in the same side on regular basis.

“You could play the three of them but I don’t think you could do it every week,” said Ferguson.

The emergence of Giuseppe Rossi only adds an extra dimension to a Ferguson’s striking dilemma.

Rossi has scored three hat-tricks in another prolific reserve team campaign but has not had an opportunity at senior level since scoring twice in the FA Cup replay win over Burton Albion in January.

Only 19, Rossi appears to have a promising future ahead. But Ferguson is trying to decide whether the American-born Italian’s immediate career progression would be better served by maintaining his present diet of second-team action or allowing him to join a throng of fellow youngsters who have left United on loan.