Bellion will come back better: Ferguson

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson is certain David Bellion will return to Old Trafford a better player following his year-long loan stint at West Ham.

The French striker has struggled to establish himself with the Red Devils since his controversial move from Sunderland in 2003.

His chances of breaking into Ferguson’s squad on a regular basis this term have been severely hampered by the broken leg he suffered in the FA Premier Reserve League play-off victory over Charlton in May.

Bellion is still at least a month away from regaining full fitness but that has not prevented Hammers boss Alan Pardew securing the speedy 22-year-old’s services for the remainder of the campaign.

And while Pardew hopes Bellion can aid his club’s fight to stay in the Premiership, Ferguson, recalling the rapid progress Kieran Richardson made during a four-month stint with West Brom last term, is equally convinced the deal has benefits for United as well.

“David is only 22 and he needs match experience,” Ferguson told www.manutd.com “It is similar to other young players like Kieran Richardson. This year-long loan to West Ham, where he will be playing Premiership football, will be beneficial to him. I am sure he will come back a better player for Manchester United.”

Ferguson signed Bellion when his Black Cats’ contract expired in 2003, a move which caused consternation in Sunderland ranks, with chairman Bob Murray accusing United of going behind his club’s back to secure the move.

Although he did not have to wait as long as Diego Forlan for his first goal, the move has proved just as unhappy as the Uruguayan’s. Bellion has so far scored just nine goals in 40 appearances, most of which have been as a substitute or in Carling Cup ties.

The situation was unlikely to change over the coming campaign, so Ferguson has opted to let the frontman try to establish himself at Upton Park.

It is the latest in a series of loan deals which have seen United youngsters dispatched to all parts of the country.

Midfielders David Jones and Chris Eagles have joined Preston and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, defender Paul McShane has linked up with Mark McGhee at Brighton, while new goalkeeper Ben Foster was shipped out to Watford within days of his arrival from Stoke.