Manchester United’s list of attackers over the years is almost a who’s who of Premier League greats.
Until fairly recently, Manchester United have always boasted an impressive group of forwards.
But looking back to the Sir Alex Ferguson days, there were a number of attacking groups which would leave Ruben Amorim incredibly envious.
The mid-2000s saw one of the strongest attacking departments in league history constructed with Louis Saha an underrated member of this squad.
Saha signed for United in 2004 and was a fan favourite in his 124 games and played a key role alongside some club greats.
Now, the Frenchman has discussed some of these greats.
Louis Saha praises Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo
As a striker, Saha was among the most underrated from this era of the Premier League as he was almost by default overshined by how talented United’s squad was.
Speaking with The Athletic on Tuesday, Saha discussed these world-class members of the United squad at the time – with two in particular lauded as ‘terrific’ – these being Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
“Cristiano at that time was a little bit of a replica – in my eyes – of Ryan Giggs. I had a completely different style from those guys.
“I played with these cards pretty much all my career in United. I always felt a bit different.”
Ronaldo was signed by United from Sporting as a teenager. Saha has now admitted he was convinced of Ronaldo’s quality.
Saha was told by Thierry Henry that Ronaldo would be a world-beater – and it’s clear the former United striker knew this from early.
The French striker then praised his former teammate, along with lauding Wayne Rooney.
“I had the chance to play with two, terrific players who were growing up. When you have Ronaldo and you have Rooney… it was competition, but I was also growing with them, so this transition time was very exciting. I just wanted to play football with the best players, with the best environment to grow, and that was United.”
- READ MORE: Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football’s most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend
Saha says he had qualities like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United
Saha averaged 59 minutes per game in his 124 games as a United player – scoring or assisting every 126 minutes.
This is a record that would be the best at the club in the current United side – and his ability to impact games without being a regular starter is similar to that of United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Saha has also compared himself to the Norwegian during his interview.
“(Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer was someone who was really clever in his runs and his hold-up play.
“I was kind of like that. I didn’t have everything, but I was a player who could link things. I felt really confident in that skill.”
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