‘I became a cult hero at Man Utd – then I asked Alex Ferguson to let me leave’

Louis Saha has opened up on his departure from Manchester United and revealed his injury record forced him to ask Sir Alex Ferguson to let him go. Having broken through at France with Metz, Saha first made the move to England on loan at Newcastle but returned in 2000 to join Fulham on a permanent transfer. The Frenchman hit the ground running with 32 goals in all competitions in his maiden season to help fire the west London club up to the Premier League.

After three seasons in the top flight with Fulham, Saha eventually caught the eye of United who were seeking a quicker, more versatile attacker to add depth to their attacking line. And while Fulham were initially reluctant to sell, Saha eventually forced a move to Old Trafford in January 2004 by threatening to run his contract down and leave for free. ‘It was a huge opportunity to play at a club that I felt really connected with before playing for them,’ Saha said, reflecting on the move in an interview with The Athletic.

‘So it was a difficult time, but when Sir Alex Ferguson calls you and says, ‘I really like your style’, and, ‘You’re going to be part of a plan where it’s a bit of transition time’. It was great to see.’. Despite walking into a United dressing room that already had Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Diego Forlan as striking options, Saha still managed seven goals in 12 Premier League appearances in his first six months at the club.

However, the following season saw Saha pick up the first of several lengthy injuries which would ultimately come to define his time at United. Saha scored just two goals in all competitions in that first full season in Ferguson’s side, which had begun to evolve with the signing of Wayne Rooney and the departure of Roy Keane. The following season was Saha’s best in a United shirt – registering 15 goals in all competitions – and by 2006/07, Saha and Rooney became Ferguson’s first-choice strike pairing.

Despite a promising start to the season, injuries once again halted his progress and availability in the big matches. And after another injury-hit campaign the following year, which saw Saha miss United’s Champions League final victory in Moscow, the Frenchman knew that the time was right for a change of environment. ‘It was absolutely heartbreaking. That feeling will never leave me,’ Saha said about his decision to leave United and join Everton.

‘I left the club because I felt like I couldn’t give that kind of guarantee that this club needs for a No 9. Someone that should represent the kind of link for those two players to grow. I could not play those 15-20 game minimums (per season). ‘When I missed the Champions League final, I couldn’t see myself being in that position again. So I asked to go and it was really against my desire, almost. I wanted to stay for life but the club grew.’.

After four years on Merseyside, Saha spent short spells at Tottenham, Sunderland and Lazio before retiring in 2013. The striker ended his career with 159 goals in 492 appearances, including a record of 42 goals in 124 matches whilst at United. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Arrow MORE: Paul Scholes says Kobbie Mainoo is ‘lost’ at Man Utd after Chelsea transfer links.