Crunch Anfield clash excites Saha

MANCHESTER United will enter the most intense cauldron they will experience all season on Sunday with striker Louis Saha viewing the trip to Liverpool as a perfect time for his team-mates to flex their title muscle.

“Without doubt, it is the most intense atmosphere for a Manchester United player,” Saha said.

“I have played there a few times now but the win we had there last season was amazing. That is one of the greatest feelings I have ever had as a footballer.”

With Chelsea visiting Arsenal immediately after the Liverpool-United showdown, it promises to be an important day in the battle for domestic supremacy.

Saha recognises an away win for the Red Devils this weekend, while not quite having the same galvanising effect as O’Shea’s late strike managed last term, could prove significant.

“My main memory of last season is that the win at Liverpool kick-started us towards the title,” he said.

“We are going there much earlier in the season this time and there is still a long road ahead. But it does give us a chance to show exactly how good we are.”

After coming through only his second full 90 minutes of the season in Rome on Wednesday night, Saha can feel his fitness beginning to return.

Alex Ferguson has already stressed total faith in the Frenchman to recover from the long-standing knee problems that have plagued his time at Old Trafford.

Saha admits the manager’s comments give him added belief. However, he insists the greatest pressure to perform comes from within.

“What the manager said is very good for my confidence,” he said.

“But I put myself under massive pressure all the time and I don’t really need anyone else to do that for me.

“I always work hard and every game is a positive step for me now.

“I still have a little way to go but I feel good and hopefully I will soon be back to my best.”

Saha is honest enough to realise his involvement at Liverpool is almost certain to be as an impact substitute in the second half.

Provided Owen Hargreaves confirms his fitness, of the side which started in the Stadio Olimpico last night, only stand-in skipper Wayne Rooney is likely to keep his place.

“We have a strong squad and we can go all the way again,” said Saha.

“Sunday is a derby game and it will be tight. It will be a good fight because we are both contenders for the title and Liverpool are playing well.

“Obviously it is away from home but given the way we are playing, we have every reason to feel confident.”