"It feels good to play for such a big club."
Henrik Larsson

A few eyebrows were raised when United announced their only morsel of mid-season transfer business: the 10-week loan of 35-year-old Henrik Larsson.

The Swedish striker, a Champions League winner with Barça, had no doubts: “It feels good to come and play for such a big club,” he said when the news broke. Still, questions remained about whether he’d be able to cut it in the intensity of English football.

A dream debut against Aston Villa was the perfect answer. Within minutes of the FA Cup third-round tie kicking off, Larsson was stirring the crowd and baffling the visitors with his untraceable movement and exquisite touches. And he duly capped a memorable United bow with a stunning debut goal, volleying home after a breakneck yet intricate passing move which cut the Villans to ribbons.

United fans were instantly smitten. Sir Alex’s judgement had again been swiftly validated, particularly since Larsson’s arrival coincided with the start of Louis Saha’s hamstring woes.

A first Premiership goal, in the 4-0 mauling of Watford, demonstrated the intuitive relationship he had developed with Wayne Rooney.