Ole pays tribute to Larsson

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims Henrik Larsson is Scandinavia's greatest footballing export since legendary Danish midfielder Michael Laudrup.

The Swedish striker enjoyed a superb goalscoring debut against Aston Villa, prompting Solskjaer to draw the flattering comparison with former Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Ajax star Laudrup.

"Henrik Larsson is the best player we have had in Scandinavia since Michael Laudrup," he told Aftenposten.

"He continues to get better, and it was important for the manager to see what kind of shape he was in because he hadn't played for a while. I do not think he was disappointed."

Larsson's dramatic United bow sparked rumours that he could extend his loan to the end of the current campaign, while the Swedish FA are trying to tempt him out of international retirement.

Swedish FA chairman Lars-Ake Lagrell told Aftonbladet: "There have been talks with Henke. I cannot say exactly what these discussions involved.

"Obviously it would be fantastic news if Henke decided to play for the national team again. But I'm not so sure - I think Henke has made his mind up for definite this time."