Staff : First team : Louis Saha

Louis Saha
After a promising start and then a season on the sidelines, United fans finally saw the best of Louis Saha in 2005/06.

Missing through injury until November he made his first start (and scored) in the Carling Cup 3rd round against West Bromwich Albion. He scored twice in the next round away at Birmingham, before netting in both legs of the semi-final against Blackburn Rovers.

Such was his run of form that he was given a starting berth in the final against Wigan Athletic in Cardiff. He duly rewarded Sir Alex's faith with a fine display and the Reds' second goal in the 4-0 win.

A product of the Clairefontaine French Footballing Academy, Saha had attracted United's interest with four impressive years at Fulham before moving to Manchester in January 2004. Upon his arrival he made an instant impact: scoring on his United debut against Southampton and ending the campaign with 7 goals in 14 games. It earned him a trip with France to Portugal 2004.

A combination of injuries and the arrival of both Wayne Rooney and Alan Smith made Saha's second season at Old Trafford an increasingly frustrating one; he played just 22 games and scored only twice.

Having ended the 2005/06 season with 14 goals in 30 matches, however, United fans are now seeing the best of Louis Saha and are hoping he can stay injury-free.

Position: Striker
Appearances: 99
Goals: 37
Joined United: 23 Jan 2004
Transfer Fee: £12.85million
Previous Clubs: Fulham
United Debut: 31 Jan 2004 v Southampton (H)
International France