Saha set for new role

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed plans to use Louis Saha as a substitute more often.

Six of the Frenchman’s seven appearances this season have come as a sub, and Sir Alex increasingly envisages the 29-year-old forward being an impact player to come off the bench and change games.

Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have performed exceptionally this term. But where Saha was once seen as a first-choice starter, Sir Alex now plans to use him tactically and, he hopes, to greater effect.

“The situation Louis finds himself in with his knee condition means he won’t play every game,” said Sir Alex. “The dilemma is whether to start him or bring him on.

“If you look at the composition of the side, he is different from everyone else, so he makes a bigger impact as a substitute. He makes a great impact. Therefore my inclination is to use him as a sub. He’s fine with that.”

United had great success using Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a substitute. The Norwegian forward – 150 of his 366 appearances for United coming as a sub – often struck the winning goal or a last-gasp equaliser. Although Sir Alex was keen to point out that Solskjaer and Saha are not in the same mould, he will be hoping the French striker can make a similar impact. And with Solskjaer now on United’s coaching staff to work with the strikers, he may impart some of his vast knowledge.

“They are different types of players,” he said. “Ole could come on and score a goal in any situation. He was the best at it. His ratio of goals coming on as sub – and in important games, too – was incredible. But Louis does more for the team in terms of his speed, physical presence, aerial ability. He brings a lot of qualities to the team.”