Silvestre: Saha a class act

MIKAEL SILVESTRE cannot understand why there was ever any doubt over Louis Saha’s ability to score at the highest level.

Although few would argue Saha did not make a telling contribution in the final weeks of last season or has started the current campaign on top form, a number of eyebrows were raised when Alex Ferguson — having already offloaded Ruud van Nistelrooy — opted not to bring in any striking cover before the transfer window shut last month.

With 38 goals in 47 European games for the Red Devils, van Nistelrooy had established himself as one of the most lethal marksmen on the continent.

In contrast, prior to Wednesday night’s encounter with Celtic, Saha had not scored a Champions League goal.

Yet, on a night when van Nistelrooy was drawing a blank for new club Real Madrid, the Frenchman justified Ferguson’s faith by netting the brace which allowed United to emerge victorious from the Battle of Britain clash with Celtic and get their latest tilt at European glory off to the perfect start.

“I do not understand why people have been questioning Louis’s ability in front of goal,” said Silvestre, like Saha a member of the French World Cup squad this summer.

“He has been scoring goals for ages. Look at his record.

“Since he replaced Ruud in the United team, Louis has done really well.

“Like all strikers, he thrives on confidence, which he gets through scoring goals. I am really happy for him because he is making the team happy.”

Saha insists he is feeling no extra pressure with the added responsibility, and the 27-year-old appears to be thriving on it.

The former Fulham forward now has four goals from five games this season, maintain a red-hot scoring streak which saw him net 15 times in just 30 appearances last term.

However, Saha is honest enough to admit his first European goal owed much to Wayne Rooney.

The young England striker may not have been involved at all in the move which saw Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc make a grab for Ryan Giggs but he was willing to stand aside to let Saha take the penalty.

“I have to thank Wayne for that,” said Saha.

Having begun the season in such impressive form, United will look to maintain their winning streak against Arsenal on Sunday.

Another victory for the Old Trafford men will open up an incredible 13-point gap on the Gunners and, while Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-sung are definitely out with hamstring and ankle complaints respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be available after missing the Celtic clash through suspension.