Larsson thrilled with 'new challenge' ........

Even by his own exacting standards the events of the past week have been quite extraordinary for Henrik Larsson. Last Friday's announcement that the 35-year-old former FC Barcelona and Celtic FC striker would be joining Manchester United FC on a three-month loan took European football completely by surprise as Larsson took up the challenge of adding a final chapter to an already illustrious career.

Henrik is thrilled to get this move at this late stage of his career, barely able to contain his excitement. His whole family is happy with it, so he had no hesitation in saying yes. Now he is really looking forward to playing in the Premiership.

Larsson is thrilled to take up the new challenge, but still I think it would be really for him to prove when he gets the chance to play in the eleven. It remains to be seen what impact Larsson will make at United between 1 January and 12 March next year but there's no doubting his determination to be a success.

However any sentiment will be cast aside just as his goodwill towards Barcelona will evaporate should they be drawn together in the UEFA Champions League. Given the sense of drama that has permeated Larsson's career, few would bet against such a scenario.