Boss: We've missed Louis

ir Alex Ferguson admitted the introduction of matchwinner Louis Saha gave his side more direction in Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland.

The French striker's substitute cameo transformed a sluggish United performance into a vital three points, as he headed home Nani's corner with 19 minutes remaining.

"Louis gave the players a good target to play to," Sir Alex told Setanta Sports after the game. "It improved their play enormously. I thought we deserved to win the game, but it was a long day."

The United Manager conceded that the presence of an out-and-out target man upfront was a welcome sight, having missed Saha for the majority of 2007 through injury.

"He showed his penetration, strength and speed," said Sir Alex. "They're great assets to have and, of course, we've missed them for the last eight months now.

"It's a delight to have him back, particularly as he's got us the win today. He's come through fine, we're delighted with that also. Having been out for such a long time, he knows that that kind of injury can come back again, but thankfully he's ok."

Sir Alex lamented his side's overly patient build-up play prior to Saha's introduction, but cited a lack of understanding between an unfamiliar front four players as the root cause.

"In the first half our passing was far too slow," he said. "I think we lacked what Saha gives us. Although the passing and possession was comfortable, we weren't making any chances through it. The front four had never played with each other before.

"Anderson played his first game, Tevez played through on his own and I think he's better when he's playing behind someone, Eagles is a young lad, Nani too. It's new for them so there was a lack of understanding, and naturally you would expect that."