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SAHA: Rampant
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Saha soaks up the pressure
Simon Stone28/ 9/2006
LOUIS Saha insists he feels no extra pressure at being asked to lead Manchester United's strikeforce.
The French forward netted his fifth goal of the season on Tuesday to provide United with a much-needed Champions League away win over Benfica.
Saha's excellent match-winning effort helped further erase any doubts among Red Devils fans about his ability to succeed Ruud van Nistelrooy as their club's number one goal predator.
Although not quite as lethal as the Dutchman, who was one of only eight players in Old Trafford history to score 150 times for the club, Saha's extra pace and aerial ability make up for any shortfall and his outstanding form this term has helped make up for the fact Wayne Rooney has dipped way below his normal levels.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced that providing Saha stays injury-free, he will go on to become one of the best forwards in Europe.
Yet the 28-year-old does not feel burdened by the added expectation. Instead, he is just getting on with his game as he normally would.
"I feel no different and I am not doing anything differently than what I have done before," said Saha.
"Every player has to score goals, not just me. The only difference is I am the one playing up front, so I get more opportunities. I just need to be ready to take them."
Saha's extra strength also allows Ferguson more freedom to operate with one man up front, as he did in Lisbon.
The tactic makes United less susceptible to counter-attack and while, for the first hour at least, the Red Devils were unconvincing, the result justified the means.
Patient
"In Europe now, you have to be patient," said Saha.
"It is far more tactical than the Premiership and you have to recognise, in away games especially, you are not going to get many chances.
"As a striker, it can get frustrating but you just have to maintain your concentration and be prepared."
After getting over the slight hamstring strain which restricted him to a substitute appearance at Reading last weekend, Saha is again expected to be the focal point of United's attack when they entertain his former club Newcastle on Sunday.
Saha spent five months on loan at St James' Park earlier in his career, although he did not make too much of an impact, scoring just twice in 12 games.
It is a measure of the fitness problems the French international has endured at Old Trafford that he has played against the Magpies only once in two-and-a-half seasons with the Red Devils, completing the full 90 minutes on their last visit in March.
On that occasion, Wayne Rooney struck twice to extend Newcastle's winless streak at Old Trafford to 34 years.
Recent evidence suggests Rooney's fellow youngster Cristiano Ronaldo will be a more likely danger to Glenn Roeder's men this weekend, with Saha feeling the Portugal winger is responding to the barracking he is getting from opposition fans in exactly the right manner.
"It seems easy for Cristiano just now," said Saha.
"He doesn't need any help to get through the reaction from supporters. In fact, I think he quite enjoys it because he seems to be even more dangerous when the fans jeer him.
"His quality speaks for itself and it is good to see a young player handle that pressure with such confidence and ability."
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29/09/2006 at 09:31
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29/09/2006 at 10:13
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