Fergie: I've tried to Nic Anelka before

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has tried to buy moody Frenchman Nicolas Anelka "several times".

Ironically, the Bolton forward has turned out for three of United's fiercest rivals, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, during his much-travelled career.

Yet, to Ferguson's frustration, he has never ended up at Old Trafford.

With Louis Saha still to convince anyone at United of his long-term fitness, it is not totally beyond question that Ferguson may eventually get his man.

Certainly, with six goals already for an ailing Bolton outfit this season, Anelka retains all the attributes he showed when Arsene Wenger signed him as a raw teenager.

And while he will be looking to inflict some damage on United on Saturday as Bolton look to drag themselves out of the relegation zone with a win at the Reebok Stadium, an impressive display could yet lead to another Ferguson bid.

"We have tried to buy Anelka several times," said Ferguson. "He is a very talented player. You always assess players with pace and ability to score and he comes into that category, and has done throughout his career."

Ferguson refused to say why none of his quests for Anelka had been successful although, bizarrely given Bolton's present plight, he feels the Parisian has actually found a home from home with the Trotters.

"Sam (Allardyce) showed great faith in bringing him to Bolton because he had been around a few clubs before that," said Ferguson.

"But, for the first time, he seems to be feeling very settled and happy, which is important for a player like Anelka.

"Sam took the risk and it has worked. Bolton are getting their dividends and Anelka seems to have found the right club for himself in terms of enjoying the environment and the training."

Any renewed move for Anelka is dependent on how Saha shapes up.

Although Carlos Tevez and the presently-injured Wayne Rooney have struck up a profitable understanding, Saha is unique among United's forward line in offering a physical threat.

Allied to the Frenchman's extreme pace, eye for goal and willingness to work, it is little wonder Ferguson is trying to guide him through the season without further injury.

Saha may yet start against Bolton but for the Red Devils boss, having him available for crunch time in April and May is just as important.

"The situation with Louis is simple," he said. "We are managing his appearances, trying to make sure we give him the right opportunities so we have him for the whole season, not just half.

"He has been unfortunate with a couple of the injuries he has had because they have not been easy ones to get over.

"We are trying not to put him under intense pressure in terms of playing time that could reverse the situation he is in at the moment. We want him to be playing in May."

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/sto...917145,00.html

In The Name of God
..
we didn't need him before .. we don't need him now ..
we have three attackers .. why should we get one more ..
..
Peace