
HENRIK LARSSON described his surprise move to Manchester United as "a fun thing"- but Sir Alex Ferguson is deadly serious about his new signing.
Fergie believes the 35-year-old can help his side conquer Europe again and reclaim the Premiership.
Although the deal initially allows Larsson to play for United during the Swedish league's winter break, it is understood there is an option to extend it to the end of the season.
Larsson will start training with United the week before Christmas and will be eligible to make his debut in the FA Cup third round on January 6.
"I'm really excited about the prospect of going to United," he added. "I feel quite humbled that such a huge club and great manager are interested in what I can do.
Fergie (left) revealed his delight at signing Larsson, whose £20,000-a-week wages at Helsingborg will be trebled at United.
"Getting Henrik is fantastic because he's a proven goalscorer and he's got great experience," said Fergie. "He's 35, but look at what Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are doing at the moment.
"In last season's European Cup Final Henrik changed the game for Barcelona and won it for them, as Ole did for us when we won it in 1999."
STRIKER Giuseppe Rossi will return to United in the New Year following his loan at Newcastle.