Mikael Silvestre cannot understand why there was ever any doubt
over Louis Saha's ability to score at the highest level.
Although few would argue Saha did not make a telling contribution
in the final weeks of last season or has started the current
campaign on top form, a number of eyebrows were raised when Sir
Alex Ferguson - having already offloaded Ruud van Nistelrooy -
opted not to bring in any striking cover before the transfer window
shut last month.
With 38 goals in 47 European games for the Red Devils, Van
Nistelrooy had established himself as one of the most lethal
marksmen on the continent.
In contrast, prior to last night's encounter with Celtic, Saha had
not scored a Champions League goal.
Yet, on a night when Van Nistelrooy was drawing a blank for new
club Real Madrid, the Frenchman justified Ferguson's faith by
netting the brace which allowed United to emerge victorious from
the Battle of Britain clash with Celtic and get their latest tilt
at European glory off to the perfect start.
"I do not understand why people have been questioning Louis'
ability in front of goal," said Silvestre, like Saha a member of
the French World Cup squad this summer.
"He has been scoring goals for ages. Look at his record.
"Since he replaced Ruud in the United team, Louis has done really
well.
"Like all strikers, he thrives on confidence, which he gets through
scoring goals. I am really happy for him because he is making the
team happy."
Saha insists he is feeling no extra pressure with the added
responsibility, and the 27-year-old appears to be thriving on
it.
The former Fulham forward now has four goals from five games this
season, maintain a scoring streak which saw him net 15 times in
just 30 appearances last term.
However, Saha is honest enough to admit his first European goal
owed much to Wayne Rooney.
The young England striker may not have been involved at all in the
move which saw Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc make a grab for Ryan
Giggs but he was willing to stand aside to let Saha take the
penalty.
"I have to thank Wayne for that," said Saha.
"It was a good night to get goals and I suppose I might have had a
hat-trick but we won the game, which is all that matters.
"I am enjoying myself at the moment. I don't feel any extra
pressure. I just keep giving 100%, which is what I will continue to
do whether I am in the team or not."
Having begun the season in such impressive form, United will look
to maintain their winning streak against Arsenal on Sunday.
Another victory for the Old Trafford men will open up an incredible
13-point gap on the Gunners and, while Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-sung
are definitely out with hamstring and ankle complaints
respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be available after
missing the Celtic clash through suspension.
Ronaldo will probably take Giggs' place in Ferguson's starting
line-up, although that is by no means certain given Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer's matchwinning contribution after replacing the Welshman
midway through the first half last night.
Solskjaer's Stretford End strike was his first European goal, and
his first in any competition at Old Trafford, for almost three
years.
The intervening period has represented a personal nightmare for the
33-year-old, who has struggled to overcome persistent knee problems
which even his own team-mates felt would claim his career.
"I have to admit, I didn't believe he would come back," said
Silvestre.
"We are all so happy for him because he is such a great lad. To
score that goal after being out for so long will give him a lot of
confidence."
