Larsson could be signing of transfer window - Pearce

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce believes Alex Ferguson has pulled off this winter’s biggest transfer coup by landing Henrik Larsson.

The veteran Sweden international will join Manchester United for a 10-week period at the beginning of next month.

Confirmation of Larsson’s arrival has been greeted with enthusiasm by the majority of Red Devils’ fans, who feared Ferguson’s squad lacked sufficient striking depth to maintain a championship challenge to Chelsea.

Pearce feels the arrival of 35-year-old Larsson – he scored 242 goals in 315 appearances in seven years at Parkhead before leaving for Barcelona, where he won the Champions League – could help tip the balance United’s way in their battle with Chelsea.

“I think Larsson will be a big hit in the Premiership because he is an extremely clever player,” said Pearce.

“It is a massive coup for United. I know he is only here for a 13-game period but they have done well to convince him to come.

“He will brighten the place up. When you look at his goalscoring record, it is absolutely astonishing.

“It is a fantastic loan signing, maybe the loan signing of the window.”