Solskjaer hails Larsson impact

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Henrik Larsson has already done enough at Manchester United to prove the theory he is the best Scandinavian player since Michael Laudrup.

Solskjaer warned Red Devils fans to expect something special when Alex Ferguson secured the veteran Swede on a short-term contract from Helsingborg.

The 35-year-old certainly has not disappointed so far, scoring twice in his six appearances and striking up an amazing understanding with Wayne Rooney.

Calls for United to keep Larsson beyond the present March 12 deadline have been long and loud, although so far both Ferguson and the Celtic legend continue to insist the present deal will be honoured.

Given the impact Larsson has made, Solskjaer could be forgiven for feeling slightly put out, particularly as his own appearances have been restricted in recent times.

But nothing could be further from the truth and the Norwegian is certainly not surprised at the impact Larsson has had at Old Trafford.

“I didn’t expect anything else,” he told MUTV.

“We all know Henrik is a quality player. I have said before I think he is the best Scandinavian player since Michael Laudrup – and he has shown that in training and games.

“His touch is something we can all learn from.

“You never stop learning as a player and Henrik has done a few tricks in training that have had us all standing up and looking and saying ‘we have not seen that before’.”

Larsson is expected to start on Saturday when United look to maintain their six-point lead at the Premiership summit against relegation-threatened Charlton at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney is a doubt after being ruled out of England’s friendly with Spain after suffering an injury at Tottenham last week, although with Louis Saha now back in action after a minor knock, Ferguson still has plenty of striking options available.