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Larsson: Judge me on my goals

AT 35, Henrik Larsson is old enough to know goals will determine whether his short-term spell at Manchester United is deemed a success.

Larsson checked in at United's Carrington base on Monday for a week's training prior to his arrival on January 2 for a 13-game stint Sir Alex Ferguson hopes will propel the Red Devils to glory at home and abroad.

After a stellar career, which included seven successful years with Celtic before a two-season stint at Barcelona which culminated in a starring role in the Champions League final win over Arsenal in May, Larsson was supposed to be winding down in his hometown of Helsingborg.

Instead, he accepted "an offer he could not turn down" to join United.

It is a measure of the esteem in which Larsson is held throughout the footballing world that no-one has questioned his arrival at Old Trafford.

But ultimately, the former Sweden star accepts his contribution to the United cause will be measured by the tally which appears next to his name in the goals column.

"Strikers get judged on goals," he said.

"That is the way it has always been and that is the way it always will be. It is no problem for me. I am really looking forward to the challenge."

Larsson's wife Magdalena and children Jordan and Janelle will accompany him on part of his mission, although not for the entirety as his young son has his own footballing duties to fulfil.

After heading back to his homeland in order to spend more time with his family, Larsson felt it was only fair they should offer their consent to his move.

But now the agreement has been reached, he cannot wait to get started.

"There are some world class players here and I am very excited about having the opportunity to play with them," he said.

"Some I have seen on TV, others I have played against but I feel as though I know them all anyway.

"When I heard about this loan deal I just thought it was a chance I could not say no to.

"I did have opportunities to move to the Premiership when I was at Celtic but my family was settled in Glasgow, which is the reason I did not come down.

"But I am 35 now, I do not think this opportunity will come around another time. I wouldn't get the chance to join such a big club again."

As his registration will not be cleared in time for him to appear in the New Year's Day fixture with Newcastle, Larsson is almost certain to make his debut in the FA Cup third round clash with Aston Villa on January 7.

It pits the forward into an immediate meeting with his old boss at Celtic, Martin O'Neill, who is now in charge of the midlands outfit.

"Martin O'Neill is a man I have the greatest respect for," said Larsson.

"I had some great times with him in Scotland and I spoke to him and met with him when I was at Barcelona.

"I still talk with him quite regularly. It is quite ironic my first game could be against Aston Villa but that is the way it is."