Solskjaer thrilled by Larsson arrival

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the imminent arrival of fellow Scandinavian Henrik Larsson has sent a ripple of anticipation through Manchester United’s star-studded dressing room.

United boss Alex Ferguson pulled off a major coup yesterday when he confirmed Larsson would be joining the Red Devils at the beginning of next month.

Even though the 35-year-old’s 10-week stay is only due to encompass 13 matches, such is Larsson’s record at Celtic and, latterly Barcelona, many feel he could have the same kind of impact as Eric Cantona did when he landed at Old Trafford in an equally spectacular deal 14 years ago.

Although some may argue many of the 242 goals Larsson scored in 315 appearances at Celtic came against substandard opposition, no would could counter the belief it was the striker’s introduction as a substitute that saw Barcelona snatch the Champions League trophy away from Arsenal in Paris last May.

And Solskjaer confirmed even United’s multi-talented squad is excited about the prospect of meeting the new arrival.

“When you hear someone like Henrik is coming in, a buzz goes round the dressing room,” he said.

“In terms of outfield players, he must be the best Scandinavian player of the last 10 or 15 years, certainly since Michael Laudrup.

“And, if you look around the world and see the players who are available and are also eligible to play in Europe, there is not likely to be anyone better.

“I am really delighted he is coming and am already looking forward to meeting up with him.

“He proved at Celtic and Barcelona he can handle the pressure of being at a top club with big expectations and he is also used to the British style of play.

“You only have to see the way he came out of international retirement and had such an influence on Sweden to see what he can do and I sure he will come in here and have a good influence on us as well.”

Those who decry the level of competition north of the border could easily claim there is no way Larsson will get even close to the astonishing scoring levels of his time with Celtic.

However, that would be to ignore his equally impressive tally of 36 goals in 93 appearances for his country.

Solskjaer certainly has no doubts over Larsson’s ability to excel on the Premiership stage, or the ease with which his new team-mate will adapt to the frenetic pace of the English game.

“I see no reason at all why he cannot settle quickly make an impact on the Premiership,” he said.

“Everyone can see how many goals he scored for Celtic and the hustle bustle of the game in Scotland is very similar to that in England. He is even used to the weather.

“But he has also done it in Europe and overall, I think he will relish the opportunity of coming to Manchester United at such a late stage in his career.”

Larsson’s arrival will go some way to easing the doubts over United’s depth of strikers.

Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney have been carrying the fight manfully since Solskjaer succumbed to a hamstring injury in the narrow Carling Cup win at Crewe a couple of months ago.

Happily, the long-serving Norwegian, who already has six goals to his credit this term, is almost back to full fitness and could be on the bench for Wednesday’s make-or-break Champions League encounter with Benfica at Old Trafford.

And, with Alan Smith continuing to plough through his own personal fitness regime and Giuseppe Rossi due back from his loan spell at Newcastle next month, Solskjaer is optimistic about the future.

“We will have strength in our strikers because Alan is looking much better and Giuseppe is due to come back,” he said.

“I am not comparing us with anyone but we are happy with what we have and the knowledge Henrik is coming just gives us even more of a lift.”