Inspired Signing

Under normal circumstances, the acquisition of a 35 year old striker on a three month loan at one of the world’s greatest football clubs might provoke a bit of scepticism. But when the player is Henrik Larssen it’s different – and if there is anyone in the Manchester area who still has lingering doubts they might contact Arsenal Football Club, who will provide compelling evidence of what Larssen can do, after he came off the bench to set up the goals that wrecked their dream of a Champions League final triumph in Paris.

The truth is that this is a coup, a masterstroke. Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a player of immense experience, great intelligence and outstanding ability, a player who can make goals, score goals, transform a game, and a model professional who will educate and inspire United’s younger players, much as Dennis Bergkamp did at Arsenal.

And with a loan period that encompasses around 12 games, Henrik Larssen’s influence could prove crucial in Manchester United’s title challenge.