Saha: Ruud is best in England

Louis Saha knows he has a fight on his hands to keep his place in the Manchester United side – because he rates his rival Ruud van Nistelrooy as the best striker in England.

The Frenchman has been getting the nod over his Dutch colleague in recent games, but van Nistelrooy has kept the pressure on by scoring goals even when coming off the bench.

Saha told United magazine: “Ruud is a proven goal scorer, and the way he can control the ball is unbelievable. There is nobody in England that compares to Ruud.

“Ruud has the ultimate mentality of a striker.

“He’s always concentrating so that he can be in the right position to anticipate a pass or be in the right place to receive it.

“That’s what makes him so effective. Ruud keeps control of the ball, with three players trying to get it off him. He is the complete forward.”

:: United have refused to comment on a report that insurance giant American International Group (AIG) are set to be announced as the club’s new shirt sponsors. AIG have also refused to comment.

Betting firm MANSION reacted furiously yesterday when their hopes of clinching the sponsorship deal were dashed by United.