Louis Saha: Why Selling Rashford Would Be Madness, Bellingham's Real Price & Ronaldo's Warning

Q: What is your reaction to France vs Spain?

LS: “Spain beating France was a difficult watch to be honest because we expected a better game from both teams. We hoped for a show, but France was completely shut down tactically and physically.

“We couldn't find a solution during the game. Spain deserved to go through because tactically they were on it, the French team couldn't find the solution to impose something different in midfield.

“I saw Tchouameni going down as a sweeper sometimes, leaving Rabiot alone in midfield against Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz. It was difficult to see the four amazing players up front, they couldn't find any rhythm technically.

“So we've been shut down. Credit to the Spain players, I think they are the best team, even without necessarily having the best individual players. They have a combination of very good players and a few stars, but their strength was the team and the way they pressed.

“The way they maintain that quality pressure on the opposition technically is amazing to watch.”

Q: Did Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise go missing when it mattered most?

LS: “Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise underperformed because after the first 10-15 minutes they realized the pressing wasn't working. There were instances where they recovered the ball, but technically they failed to show their quality. Every time it seemed like a Spanish foot was in the way.

“It is about control and poor decisions. Some of those moments were crucial to build up confidence and start to hurt the opposition, but they never did it. You expect Mbappe to shine at some moment, he tried, and was probably the only one to have a shot at goal, but we waited for Michael Olise and he couldn't provide that.

“There was a lot of pressure on a young lad. From the first game against Senegal, he was the one starting to take control as a maestro of the tempo, but he couldn't perform in the semi-final. He made mistakes that spread to other players.

“We waited for Dembele  as well, but he couldn't do anything. We can't put the blame on Barcola, his energy was still up there. But when you don't have that technical leadership against the type of pressing Spain can do, it is extremely difficult for the players behind to avoid mistakes.

“From the moment we conceded the penalty, they built up confidence and an aura. They didn't provide many chances, but enough to show control and motivate the team to go on to win.”

Q: Is this the perfect platform for Zinedine Zidane to build on?

LS: “Zinedine Zidane wanted France to win a third World Cup despite it making his job tougher in taking over. It would have been great to take on a team full of confidence and experience. Winning is always best, but this will be a challenge and I am sure he is up for it.

“Regardless, those guys are competitors. Deschamps is a competitor and wanted to win. Sometimes you face good teams and you have to respect the opposition. It doesn't tarnish his legacy. 

“Critics over the last 12 years say he is pragmatic and always defending, but he still gets results. Journalists were very harsh on him. This tournament made us really enjoy football, so we have to give him the credit he deserves because they faced a great team, probably the team of the tournament.”

Q: Prediction for Spain vs Argentina?

LS: “Nobody can write off Lionel Messi. He provides moments of magic, he probably runs the least but still has the most goals. He knows his moments and reads the game so well that tactics often don't work against him.

“We've seen it for many years. He plays on moments rather than a constant rhythm, which makes him hard to stop for Spain, France, or anyone else. He hasn't been shut down by any tactics. Even if his legs are gone a little bit, he never really played only on athleticism.

“He is a combination of technical talent, creativity, and being a maestro. He understands the matrix of the game so well that nobody has matched him. I don't write him off. 

“Even if he only runs 5km in a game, he can still be very effective. It's going to be a tough game for Spain, though they have the best defense. They showed that in the semi-final, but I don't think that works on Messi.”

Q: What are the emotions like going into a World Cup final?

LS: “There are a lot of nerves, but because you go through these amazing months of victory, you have full confidence. Despite the knocks and heavy legs, you have that drive from the fans and understand what you represent for your country. There is a lot of excitement in the camp.

“I think you see more mature behavior from players now compared to the past. There used to be a strict hierarchy, but now you see young lads like Jude Bellingham, for example, who is 23 and is the star of the team. 

“There is real respect given to him. I see a lot of maturity because of the exposure these guys have on social media and the media in general. They understand what is in front of them, and it is a good example.

“This era has brought some real good examples of values. They are under scrutiny and respond really well. Whoever makes it to the final earns immense respect. It will be the same for France playing in the third-place play-off.

“It has been an amazing journey. They scored a lot of goals and played great games. Let's appreciate that.”

Q: Is Harry Kane still a Ballon d’Or contender?

LS: “Harry has behaved like a Ballon d'Or winner regardless of whether he gets it. He has scored so many goals, and he plays a style of football we really like. 

“In terms of leadership, he is an example for any player. For me, I would give it to him. Other players didn't have his consistency. Ousmane Dembele won another Champions League but didn't perform as well in the World Cup.

“Mbappe has done really well and led his team, but might not win all the trophies. The Ballon d'Or is difficult because there are elements we don't control, particularly involving journalists.”

Q: Is there a new found respect for Kylian Mbappe?

LS: “Analysis is often based on personality rather than just what happens on the field. When you have confident players who speak their minds, a part of the population wants to see them fail, like Kylian Mbappe.

“Lamine Yamal might face the same because he is confident. It was the same for Cristiano Ronaldo. People often prefer quiet profiles like Harry Kane or Lionel Messi. Mbappe sometimes brings the wrong kind of attention.

“That doesn't help him with awards. He scored over 40 goals for Real Madrid and is still a target. It's the same for Ronaldo with Portugal, people say he's the problem. Portugal hadn't won anything for years until he brought trophies and accolades.

“I see it as a personality issue that brings jealousy. Mbappe won't change his persona for anyone. He will have to accept this treatment. In this tournament, he showed he is capable of defending; he is still a young player at 27.

“He can still improve, like Ronaldo did. All those players adapt. In three World Cups, Mbappe started on the left, then the right, and now he was a striker. He's a brilliant, versatile player who deserves support.”

Q: Which of this current France squad would you try and sign if you were behind the transfers at Man Utd?

LS: “I’d like to see Man Utd go after Manu Kone. He showed with Roma that he is a terrific prospect. Bradley Barcola is very exciting, and I would love to attract someone like Desire Doue. 

“There is a lot of talent, we missed out on Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise, which is frustrating.

“I don't like too much speculation. I want to build a squad, and the direction of the club should be targeting players who actually want to be Manchester United players, not those just looking for the best contract. That hasn't worked in the past.

“It's about players who have confidence and quality, but also a commitment because they love the shirt before they sign.”

Q: Man Utd have signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea, is that a surprise given he struggled to get into the Chelsea side?

LS: “Andrey Santos is going to have to adapt. He has quality going forward, but as a center-mid, he is not the finished product. We require more experience to partner with Kobbie Mainoo. We have Manuel Ugarte, but with injuries to Mason Mount, we are missing a specific profile.

“We need someone like Casemiro. We just signed Youri Tielemans, who has the experience and aggressiveness.

“Let's see if the combination of those two signings offers something to the manager. Michael Carrick will look for more. It's tough because some original targets signed for other clubs, but foundations need to be built on mentality as well as quality.”

Q: What should be Benjamin Sesko’s goal target for Man Utd this season, is 20 a minimum if he starts every game?

LS: “Is Benjamin Sesko alone enough? No, not for Manchester United.

“I remember when we had four strikers who were all expected to score 10 to 15 goals. Giving that responsibility to just one or two players is too much pressure and isn't healthy because games are difficult.

“You need versatility. Even if he is technical, he is still a target player who tends to remain in and around the box. We need an additional profile.

“We need someone talented but more experienced because we have more games. The Champions League is coming, and the responsibility is different than a league game. 

“Sesko has done well, but relying on one typical striker is dangerous. A versatile profile or a more experienced player would be a good combination.”

Q: Who would be your targets for a new striker at Man Utd?

LS: “Which strikers should Man Utd sign? It's a dying position. It is hard to find a profile that isn't similar to Sesko but can still score goals and provide a different threat.

“Michael Carrick would love to have Sesko for certain games and a different style for others. He has put Bryan Mbeumo up there sometimes. There might be games where you play like Spain with a false nine. We need a profile able to link up more.

“Victor Osimhen has a different style. I don't think there are many others. Finding the right fit isn't going to be easy.”

Q: Looking to the future, should Man Utd start putting money aside for a blockbuster move for Jude Bellingham in the future?

“Jude Bellingham is a megastar, but I believe the momentum of being back in the Champions League next year could be a platform for Manchester United to begin conversations. 

“He is doing really well with Real Madrid. He definitely has aspirations to be a Ballon d'Or winner. The story isn't completed yet.

“There are many challenges he wants to face, so why not Manchester United? I really hope so because he's a terrific player who would suit this midfield. I wouldn't be surprised to see a £250m bid for him. Why not.”

Q: What do you make of Marcus Rashford being linked to Chelsea and Arsenal?

LS: “Marcus Rashford to Arsenal or Chelsea? For a club of this dimension, it would be a huge mistake to give that kind of talent to a rival. Imagine United giving Rashford to Arsenal and he scores 25 goals to help them win the league or Champions League.

“That would be bad business. Regardless of the money, you don't do things like that. I doubt it will happen. He has to find a way to work with everyone. It won't be easy because his salary is so big.

“Few teams can pay that kind of money. It is a difficult choice. Some moments in the season defined his challenges regarding the contract or destination he wanted. I am sure Barcelona remained a desired destination, but it seems United has gone in a different direction with the signing of Anthony Gordon.

“I don't understand why they signed him instead of the guarantee that Rashford brings. It's very strange.”

Q: Should Man Utd hijack Arsenal’s interest in Morgan Rogers?

LS: ‘I think Morgan Rogers could be a very versatile proposition. When he came on, he was asked to play in that midfield area with Eberechi Eze. He has power and speed on the wing and can score amazing goals. I saw it against United.

“His role isn't totally defined yet and could improve. He could help Bruno Fernandes and might be a better option than Mason Mount or Amad Diallo in some games. I really like his personality, with this club, that could lead to a great combination.”

Q: Do you have any particular memories of Michael Carrick from when you were team-mates that made you believe he would one day manage Manchester United?

LS: “I think Michael Carrick brings simplicity and clarity. Some managers wanted to come with a special formula that worked for a while, but it took too many steps and they changed over time.

“With Michael, you have certain tactics that help players perform at their best. He has brought back a hierarchy based on the philosophy of Manchester United, respecting the rules and the desire to win and work hard.

“Those principles are clear in the way he communicates. His main quality is being clear about what he wants. He isn't a genius trying to bring a special formula, he makes things simple. Players need to commit and work hard.

“They need courage. If you've been picked for your ability, you have to show it consistently. That is where he has improved the team. The next challenge is to manage a team across three different competitions.

“I'm sure he is a manager who wants to improve, and the support of the fans and the board will be important. They need signings to help his mission.”

Q: Do you see similarities to Sir Alex in Michael Carrick?

LS: “I see similarities in Michael Carrick and Sir Alex, but also an evolution. Sir Alex might have struggled to implement certain things in this era regarding social media and modern momentum. Michael has cleaned those things up.

“He was helped by what Ruben Amorim did. Previously, players like Garnacho, Antony, and Rashford didn't seem to understand the principles as much as was needed.

“I could accuse them of performing for themselves rather than the team sometimes. Under Michael Carrick, no player has behaved that way. Every signing needs to get that right, otherwise they need to be out, because that is the strength of the squad.”

Q: With Yan Diomande on his way to PSG, surely one of their existing stars will start thinking about moving on to find more football? Barcola?

“Yan Diomande going to PSG could lead to Barcola leaving, it is possible because he has earned credit and wants to be respected as a starter. I heard he's been linked with Liverpool and I can see why. He's a terrific player who works hard and always asks questions of defenders.

“He is a brilliant asset. It would be important because we have good players, but he has real direct strength which we don't have enough of in the Premier League.

“Barcola wouldn't be wasted in the Premier League. He is physically gifted with unbelievable stamina. If a team like United got him, United would be very hard to beat.”

Q: Kvaratskhelia has been compared to George Best, Ryan Giggs and many other great wingers. Could he be tempted to leave PSG?

LS: “Kvaratskhelia to Man Utd? Impossible. For me he was the star player, better than Dembele or anyone in the squad. What he did during the Champions League campaign was amazing. Since he joined, he has been by far the most powerful player.

“I haven't seen this kind of ferocity and talent in a long time. He is one of the best in his position. He reminds me of Ribery, but physically even better.”

Q: Liverpool have made fresh contact with Paris St-Germain over a potential summer move for France forward Bradley Barcola, would he be a huge danger?

LS: “Bradley Barcola to Liverpool? I don't want it to happen because he would be a big force in England. Barcola can really hurt the opposition because he is very smart and energetic.

“He dribbles and links well with others. He did that with Kylian Mbappe. In his World Cup campaign, even coming off the bench, he was a big force. He doesn't show any fear.

“He has a huge future. People doubted him when he left Lyon for a PSG team full of stars, but he won the Champions League back-to-back. 

“He would be a great signing for Liverpool in the era after Mohamed Salah, but I don't want him to be in the wrong red shirt.”

Q: Who are youngsters at United you’d be most excited to see go out on loan to play for a club like MK Dons this season?

LS: “Who could MK Dons take on loan from Man Utd? United is well known for bringing through talent. You need to get them experience with senior players. We saw it with Amad Diallo when he went to Sunderland.

“He did really well, was player of the year, and came back ready. We have a young striker in JJ Gabriel, who I think will be introduced this year. He scored so many goals for the academy.

“People may think he shouldn’t go on loan because he'll be in the first team. But it is important to find the right clubs that will actually play such talents, maybe it would suit him for a season.”

Q: What sort of reputation does Regis Le Bris have in France given his impact at Sunderland?

LS: “Managers improve by moving from country to country and gaining cultural experience and Regis Le Bris has done that.

“When you are in England and have a good season, other clubs will think about you. He will want to continue to rise in the Premier League and if he has another good season then the biggest clubs will come calling.

“This is the trajectory for anyone who wants to move up and unfortunately for Sunderland another good season could mean he moves on.”

Q: Ronaldo has said this was his last World Cup. Do you believe him or do you think he’ll still have a taste for one last dance in four years time?

LS: “Should Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international duty? It's a difficult one because he's still being targeted at 41. You look at his World Cup and you may look at the stats, people want them to be as good as they were when he was 20.

“Obviously, he's not 20 anymore, but Goncalo Ramos scored one goal, which was a great header, and everyone said that he is Portugal's best striker?

“At some point you have to ask the question, what is best for the national team? It’s a decision only he can make, he has brought so much joy to Portugal and lifted trophies.

“It has to come from him, it will be difficult. At some point staying on too long will tarnish his legacy. So he has to decide, I don't want to decide for him.”

Q: Do you think Messi will follow Ronaldo’s lead and declare this is his last World Cup or do his performances in this Argentina team suggest he’s got many more years?

LS: “Could Lionel Messi be at the next World Cup? He is slightly younger and definitely has way, way, way, way less kilometers on his tank than Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He's not playing on his stamina. That’s never been in strength. Maybe at the start he was able to play maybe with more kilometers, but he's playing with his brain now. He's playing with a change of rhythm.

“He's playing with his technical ability, he's playing with the link that he has with other players. That's never gonna really get away. I remember Paul Scholes came back out of retirement and found a rhythm again.

“These guys, they don't play with the physical aspect of football, his brain was intact and he could pick up passes that nobody could see.

“So, Scholes was able to do it. I'm sure like Messi, if he stopped, like Michael Jordan stopped for baseball and came back, he would be a success.

“Cristiano Ronaldo, he's been successful because of his speed, his strength, he's not the same anymore.

“Cristiano is judged by goals but also judged by his speed and how he reacts and it’s not the same for Lionel Messi. It's not the same parameters. 

“We can’t judge Messi on his speed and physicality, so don’t rule him out of the World Cup in 2030 just yet.”

Q: Evan Ferguson was once seen as the next £100m player coming out of Brighton, can he get back to that level with the right move to a club like Celtic this summer?

LS: “For Evan Ferguson it’s all about getting a run of games and getting back to that position, to that spot where you feel good with the ball and you start to believe that you are back to the level you were before the injury.

“He needs a run of games and he will start to smell the goals again and learn how to work with his team-mates, he needs that confidence and momentum back.

“If he can’t find that at Brighton then Celtic could be a good opportunity, but for him he needs a place where he can get back to playing regular games.”

Q: How has French football reacted to Gary O’Neil leaving Strasbourg so quickly to take on the Ipswich Town job just six months after going to Strasbourg? 

LS: “Gary O’Neil did well at Strasbourg coming into that run that they had in Europe, they did well. We didn't expect Strasbourg to be that good, developing some really attacking football and a strong, solid defence. So it was entertaining, but with Ipswich he will have to find the formula to make them stable, make them brave enough to avoid relegation.

“It's a marathon, starting well doesn't mean anything if it falls off. You need to maintain that. So you need to have a good balance between experienced players and young players who are able to shine and surprise the opposition.

“But it will be a very tough season, as it is for everyone.”

Q: How happy are you to see another former United player, Tom Cleverley, doing well at Plymouth Argyle?

LS: “It's great to see what Tom Cleverley is doing. I see his passion for football and love talking about it with him. When you have true passion, you get rewarded. He works hard and respects his players.

“If he applies the philosophy of Sir Alex Ferguson, he will go very far. Sir Alex was a coach of coaches, if you manage to apply those memories to your own managerial career, you will do well. I wish him the best at Plymouth.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the Man Utd vs Wrexham friendly in Finland?

LS: “It's all part of preseason and building interest. Man Utd fans will love to see the new kit and new players. Wrexham is an attraction because of what they achieved in consecutive years and what they have built around the world. These strange combinations of fixtures and destinations are strong for promotion, so it will be fun to watch.

“It doesn't say much for the Premier League season since so much is still to happen in the transfer market, but we can see the fitness and first glimpses of the tactics being applied.

“It’s an exciting game and I’ll predict a win for Man Utd of course.”

Q: You played against Frank Lampard many times, do you see him as someone better suited to shaping England on the world stage one day?

LS: “Frank Lampard did really well last year after having had a difficult time at some clubs. I respect his journey. He went to Chelsea and Everton, and had a great campaign with Coventry. 

“The challenge now is to maintain that team in mid-table. Frank has respect as a player and is starting to get it as a manager.

“Being in contention for the England job is different. It might be in the back of his mind, but it is a different level. Some managers enjoy the day-to-day work, and if you're young you might wait a little bit. He could see that as something later in his managerial career.”

Q: You know what it takes to be in a team that were outstanding in the second tier, can you see similar standards coming with West Ham, Wolves, Burnley and Middlesbrough?

LS: “That is the beauty of English football. The level of the Championship is very strong. It is a long, tough season. Good players emerge all the time.

“Many clubs have the quality to be in the Premier League but a lack of connection with the players and the manager means they aren’t able to get there.

“I am surprised by West Ham, we saw Everton nearly go down for several years and bounce back. The quality there is in the division the better it makes it for the fans, at the moment I would say it’s impossible to predict, but it will go all the way to the final day.”

Q: How will Alvaro Arebola fare at Fulham?

“I haven't watched enough of Alvaro Arbeloa’s teams to fully decide. The Real Madrid team under Arbeloa lacked flow and rhythm because it wasn't his team and he didn't pick the players. He faced challenges in that dressing room. 

“Fulham is a family club where he could impose his style more. We haven't seen his style yet. He has the links to bring in players and was very experienced as a player.

“He won't try to impose something we already know. La Liga and the Premier League are different animals, so he will have to learn quickly.

‘What Marco Silva has done for years was to stabilize the club and bring them to a level where you expect European football. Hopefully he can maintain that.”