United given go-ahead to keep Fergie's 'new Cantona'

Swede dreams: Henrik Larsson may remain at Old Trafford
14 April 2012

Manchester United have been given the go-ahead to open talks about keeping Henrik Larsson for the rest of the season after he made a sensational Old Trafford debut.

Larsson, 35, likened by manager Sir Alex Ferguson to Eric Cantona, marked the start of his three-month loan by scoring United's first goal in their 2-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

And United were given a further boost when Lars-son's club Helsingborgs said they would be happy to let him stay beyond his scheduled return in March when the Swedish season starts.

Their chairman, Sten-Inge Fredin, said: "It's up to Henrik. If he wants to stay then we'll open that discussion with United. We will not stand in his way."

Ferguson was full of admiration for Larsson. He said: "Henrik was terrific. His movement, experience, his judgment on when to run, it was first class. He scored in a split second, with no back lift, and I'm sure he will score important goals for us.

"I always said that about Eric Cantona and I think that Henrik can do the same for us here.

"To force a player back home against his wishes is something we do not want to do."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would love to keep Larsson for the whole season but stated on Friday that he would only investigate that option if Helsingborg were happy to consider it.

Tonight's pronouncement in Sweden means that all United have to do now is persuade the former Swedish international to stay with them as they chase a repeat of their 1999 treble.

Larsson is understood to be aware of Helsingborg's change of stance on the matter and is understandably keen to extend his stay in the Premiership.

The Swedish season starts in march but Larsson is only contracted until December of this year at Helsingborg and it would be relatively straightforward for United to buy him out of that deal.

Helsingborg coach Stuart Baxter has indicated he may be prepared to extend Larsson's loan deal.

Baxter said: "While it is very early to speculate, it could happen. We are in a world where we are not really able to force Henrik back.

"Sweden being Sweden they would probably think of the person and not the footballer. There would be a discussion between Henrik and the club but he has given us no indication this is any more than the agreement we have."

Larsson returned to his hometown club after helping Barcelona win the Champions League.

Baxter said: "When he came back it was so he could get his family established in Sweden during the last two years of his career. The attraction of Manchester United was a short-term deal.

"If that has changed where an extension would mean extra finance for the club that's very nice but we have still got to try to make a team.

"But I am going to try to not worry about it. We knew this situation might happen when we did the deal.

"It is Manchester United, after all, not Bristol Rovers."

Baxter, who watched Larsson's display on holiday in Dubai, added: "You have got to say it was a compliment to the Swedish league.

"Henrik has jumped straight into the Premiership at the drop of a hat scored on his debut and played well. He would appear to have vindicated the whole deal in just one performance."

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