Larsson to join United on loan

Former Sweden striker Henrik Larsson has confirmed he is to join Manchester United on loan in January.

The 35-year-old former Barcelona and Celtic forward is likely to stay at Old Trafford for three months.

Larsson told a press conference at Helsingborg: "Alex Ferguson called me on Thursday night and greeted me to Manchester United. We spoke a little about a match and how it looked like with Christmas and the new year."

He added: "They have been after me before - after the first or second season with Celtic. It feels nice to come and play for such a big club.

"I probably won't play every match from the start, but for me it feels like a very fun thing to contribute at such a late stage in my career. My family are okay with it."

United boss Ferguson is light on strikers, with Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha supported by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A fourth forward, Alan Smith, is still recovering full fitness after an injury lay-off - while Giuseppe Rossi is on loan at Newcastle.

Ferguson has confirmed Larsson will be joining the Red Devils on a three-month loan.

Larsson added: "I know the players [at Manchester United]. They are really good players. I have played against many of them, so it's not a new thing. I hope the situation will be easier, knowing the faces and names.

"I will go over there to play as much as possible - but I have no idea of how Ferguson wants to use me.

"We will see how much playing time there will be. Am I a back-up? Yes, at the beginning. Then you will see what I can contribute and how things are going. We have not discussed a jersey number at all. We will see what it will be."