Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out making any attempt to keep
Henrik Larsson beyond the end of his loan deal on March 12. The
veteran Swede has been an astute addition to the Manchester United
squad since his arrival on New Year's Day.
Larsson's contribution to the Red Devils cause goes far beyond his
two goals and although the 35-year-old indicated this week he would
be heading back to Helsingborg as planned next month, many believed
Ferguson would attempt to keep the striker until the current
campaign reaches its conclusion.
However, Ferguson has ruled out such a move and insisted he will
stick to the agreement originally thrashed out to get Larsson to
Old Trafford in the first place. "I have said all along we have
Henrik here until March 12 and that doesn't change," revealed the
United chief.
"I am not even attempting to go near it because I respect what
Helsingborg have done for us in letting him come here and I am not
changing from that. "Henrik has a lot of responsibility to
Helsingborg too, so we are both shooting from the same gun. We are
just thankful for having him here."
Given the partnership Larsson has struck up with Wayne Rooney it
seems almost inconceivable Ferguson could just let the legendary
former Celtic striker leave with two months of the season
remaining. But Ferguson, who twice tried to land Larsson in his
prime, believes the forward will leave behind a legacy which will
stand United in good stead for the next eight games and
beyond.
"Young players who want to progress in the game should look at
Henrik's movement, timing and enthusiasm," said Ferguson. "Against
Lille last week, he was the one player dropping back into midfield
when we were caught out of position. "It just showed his tactical
awareness and also his responsibility in terms of being a senior
player to make sure we got through a vital part of the game near
the end.
"The players have been absolutely amazed at him because he is such
an intelligent footballer. "It is as if he has been here for years
rather than a few weeks. He has been an absolute credit in the
manner he has gone about this period."
However, while Larsson's departure will not be greeted with
universal approval among the United contingent, it is good news for
Alan Smith. The former Leeds striker has been put on a personal
fitness programme after struggling to make an impact on his initial
comeback from last season's horror leg break.
But Ferguson is ready to throw Smith back into the fray in next
week's FA Cup replay at Reading, and he insists his £6million
front-man still has a future at Old Trafford. "Alan is unfortunate
in that the team's form has been great but he still has a long-term
future with us," said the United chief.
"The one thing about Alan is he has fantastic courage. He has a
great enthusiasm to play football which always gives him a chance.
"If he gets a bit of the game on Tuesday, it will only help him in
the later stages of the season when I may need him."