Unfortunately, it proved to be the start of a frustrating period in Saha’s career, which became dogged by injuries meaning he was rarely at top form.

Saha missed a succession of major finals, a sequence that continued with France, where he managed to get himself ruled out of the World Cup final through suspension, despite only being on the pitch for 10 minutes in the two matches where he got cautioned.

Eventually, Ferguson opted to admit defeat, allowing the 31-year-old to join David Moyes at Everton for a knock-down fee.

The move has paid off handsomely for Moyes though.

With some tender care, Saha contributed eight goals to the Toffeemen’s tally last term, including that early opener in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

And this season, Saha has been back to the form he first produced at United, scoring nine times in 14 appearances, including one at West Ham just before the international break as Everton recorded a much-needed victory.

Saha returns to United this evening eager to prove a point.

But Ferguson does not really need that. He accepts the former Newcastle star is a class act, he just never enjoyed enough good fortune to prosper with the Red Devils.

“It is not a case of Louis Saha developing any more, it is the fact he is more consistently free of injury,” said Ferguson.

“We would not have sold him if he had been a regular performer for us. Unfortunately, for Louis and us he kept getting injured. The move to Everton has worked well for Louis.

“He is a natural finisher, as good as anyone in the league. He is two-footed, quick and brave, good in the air with a fantastic physique. He has all the boxes ticked in what you are looking for in a striker.”

Nemanja Vidic returns from a calf injury to try and stop his former team-mate, although Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out for another three weeks with an injury that is related to his lower back.