Larsson ready for Red Devils
Opta look at what Henrik Larsson will bring to Manchester United.
Despite topping the Premiership table following a blistering start to the new season, question marks remained over the depth of Manchester United's squad in attack.While the likes of Spanish superstar Fernando Torres and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe have been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson's surprise loan signing of veteran front-man Henrik Larsson may prove to be one of the shrewdest deals this season.
In his career, the Swedish superstar has produced a phenomenal goal-scoring record, no more so than in his successful time at Celtic where he notched an incredible 173 goals in 221 league appearances, hitting a goal every 1.3 games on average.
| Larsson Scoring Record In League | | | | |
| Years | Team | Apps | Goals | Games per Goal |
| 2006 - 2007 | Helsingborgs IF | 15 | 8 | 1.9 |
| 2004 - 2006 | FC Barcelona | 40 | 13 | 3.1 |
| 1997 - 2004 | Celtic | 221 | 173 | 1.3 |
| 1993 - 1997 | Feyenoord | 101 | 26 | 3.9 |
| 1991 - 1993 | Helsingborgs IF | 56 | 50 | 1.1 |
Larsson's cameo role in the UEFA Champions League final back in May against Arsenal was pivotal in Barcelona's last-gasp victory and compared to the performances of current United front-men Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha, the 35-year-old showed that he still has much to offer.
Larsson's minutes per goal average of 164.8 was superior to those of the two United strikers while his chance conversion rate of 21% was also better.
| Larsson v Man Utd Strikers - Prem & Champions League 2005/06 (Combined) | | | |
| Player | Larsson | Rooney | Saha |
| Appearances | 37 | 40 | 21 |
| Time Played | 1,813 | 3,411 | 1,184 |
| Goal Attempts | | | |
| Goals | 11 | 16 | 7 |
| Shots On Target | 30 | 49 | 14 |
| Shots Off Target | 23 | 82 | 23 |
| Shooting Accuracy | 57% | 37% | 38% |
| Chance Conversion | 21% | 12% | 19% |
| Mins per Goal | 164.8 | 213.2 | 169.1 |
| Passing | | | |
| Goal Assists | 4 | 9 | 1 |
| Total Passes | 610 | 1,344 | 370 |
| Accurate Passes | 433 | 969 | 284 |
| Pass Completion % | 71% | 72% | 77% |
| Discipline | | | |
| Fouls | 29 | 61 | 14 |
| Offsides | 16 | 23 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt be hoping that the arrival of Larsson in January will give his side an extra edge over Chelsea as the race for the title heats up.
