Louis Saha determined to avoid Man Utd cull

By Henry Winter
Last Updated: 5:20PM BST 17 May 2008

Looking to impress: Louis Saha

Louis Saha, Manchester United's injury-ravaged striker, said yesterday that he hopes to impress Sir Alex Ferguson in next week's Champions League final so he can remain at Old Trafford.

"I know it could be my last game, and I would understand if the manager went for another striker," said Saha, 29. "It would be painful if he did and it's painful to talk about because I love the club so much. The main thing is to win the Champions League and maybe that will change things."

Ferguson has been linked with Dimitar Berbatov and Luis Fabiano, among others, while he can also call on the promising Angolan striker, Manucho, to support Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez. Ferguson has also used Cristiano Ronaldo through the centre.

"It's a fact that a huge club like this always wants to improve and they have to bring in players who can make that happen," said Saha, whose contract expires in 2010. "When you look at the strikers they have, they're unbelievable players, but competition makes you improve and I accept that too." His frustration stems from a series of injuries, particularly to his knee and hamstring. "I get miserable when I am injured - it's very tense for the family when I am. I am a competitor, I want to play and I want to win things. So when I'm not, I'm in a very bad mood."

Ferguson has constantly spoken of his support for the striker, willing him to show his true worth. "I will accept every slap from the manager because he's been outstanding for me. He's an amazing man-manager and I'd love to be able to say 'thanks' in the final."

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Saha hopes to emulate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who rose from the bench to help United win the European Cup in 1999. "That would be unbelievable," he said.

Meanwhile Saha says he does not expect France to pick him for Euro 2008. Carlos Tevez wants to tear up his two-year loan deal and sign permanently for United. He said: "I'd love to extend my contract. I would go and sign right now if the opportunity was there."