United stars amazed by Larsson deal

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has revealed that many of his players were staggered to learn Henrik Larsson would be joining them in January.

Amid all the big names linked with United over the past few months, nobody predicted Larsson would be recruited to aid the pursuit of glory at home and abroad.

The veteran Swede is currently on a week-long training stint at United's Carrington HQ before arriving for a 13-game spell on loan from Helsingborg on January 2.

In confirming Larsson had received a warm reception from his new team-mates, Ferguson said news of his signing had been greeted with more than a degree of surprise.

"Henrik has created a buzz around the dressing room, there is no question about that," he said.

"When we announced it, a few of the players came to me and said: 'that was a good one, where did you get that one from?'. They were surprised at the suddenness and the secrecy of it.

"He has come at a good time. It looks as though the championship race is going to go the whole road. Players like Henrik will only help us with that."

With his registration unable to be completed in time to face Newcastle on New Year's Day, Larsson is almost certain to make his debut in the FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on January 7, meaning an immediate match-up with his former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill.

Although it has been suggested Larsson's arrival will mark the end of Ferguson's January transfer activity, the United boss has claimed that is not necessarily the case.

"It is possible, you never know," said Ferguson, when asked if he intended bringing anyone else in.

In the meantime, top scorer Louis Saha will continue to shoulder the burden of United's attack, fresh from signing a new four-year contract extension which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2010.

Having netted 12 goals since succeeding Ruud van Nistelrooy in United's attack this term, Saha thankfully now appears to be over the injury problems which blighted his first two years at the club following a £12.8m (€19m) move from Fulham.

And with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney also committing themselves to Old Trafford on long-term contracts recently, it means Ferguson has secured the services of his current strikeforce for the foreseeable future.

"We address the situation of players' contracts now and then in order to strengthen the club and it's great to add Louis to the list," said Ferguson.

"Louis' form has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and he has scored 26 goals in that time."