Ferguson, however, is remaining cool as the debate on the veteran’s Old Trafford future continues to grow.

He said: “Henrik is here until March 12 and we are not looking beyond that. I do not think it is pertinent at this moment anyway.

“It would not be fair to start putting Helsingborg under that type of pressure. Henrik is enjoying playing here and that is the way we are going to leave it.”

Larsson is pushing to retain his place in the side but he may have to spend some time on the bench during his first taste of English football.

Ferguson said: “Henrik’s first game was excellent for us. It gave us an insight into the type of player he is.

“He showed last week he can be a fantastic asset to us. He may not play all of the games but the important thing at his age and with his experience is he will understand that.

“He has an important role and we will use him when he is fresh. Looking at the next game is an issue too and which is the most important match.”

Larsson is already winning over a dressing room full of experienced internationals.

England defender Gary Neville said: “I am extremely impressed not just with his performance but also his attitude and wanting to help us win something.

“The professionalism at his age and what he has achieved is fantastic. There are great examples in football and he is one of them.”

United are aiming to cement their place at the top tomorrow and keep Chelsea at arm’s length.

Long-serving Neville is pleased with the strides they are making after being in the London side’s slipstream in the last two season.

Explaining the swing in their favour, he said: “The reason is we have matured - we are a lot more consistent in the level of performance.

“If you add to that we have had a little bit better luck with injuries. That’s been a big thing for us. We have been hit hard by injuries in the past during September and October.

“We are a lot better. We have proved that so far. Chelsea’s points tally is not too far behind where they were last year.

“If we can continue to play in the second half of the season like we did in the first we will be in business.”

United are looking to complete a hat-trick of wins against Villa but Neville added: “It may be more difficult because they will have been used to us over the last few weeks.

“There can no excuses. We have to go and win the match whatever that takes. I am sure Villa will be as determined as they were in the previous two games.”