Helsingborg coach Stuart Baxter has indicated he may be prepared to extend Henrik Larsson's loan deal at Manchester United beyond March.
NealSimpson/Empics
Larsson: Brought in on loan from Helsingborg.
The former Barcelona and Celtic striker marked his debut by scoring in the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Despite being 35 and playing his first game in English football, Larsson was
impressive.
United could be tempted to look at keeping the former Sweden international for
the remainder of the season
Baxter said: 'While it is very early to speculate, it could happen.
'We are in a world where we are not really able to force Henrik back.
'Sweden being Sweden they would probably think of the person and not the
footballer.
'There would be a discussion between Henrik and the club but he has given us
no indication this is any more than the agreement we have.'
Larsson returned to his hometown club after helping Barcelona win the
Champions League.
Baxter said: 'When he came back it was so he could get his family established
in Sweden during the last two years of his career.
'The attraction of Manchester United was a short-term deal.
'If that has changed where an extension would mean extra finance for the club
that's very nice but we have still got to try to make a team.
'But I am going to try to not worry about it. We knew this situation might
happen when we did the deal.
'It is Manchester United, after all, not Bristol Rovers.'
Baxter, who watched Larsson's display on holiday in Dubai, added: 'You have
got to say it was a compliment to the Swedish league.
'Henrik has jumped straight into the Premiership at the drop of a hat scored
on his debut and played well.
'He would appear to have vindicated the whole deal in just one
performance.'
Club chairman Sten-Inge Fredin also said the Scandinavians would be willing to allow the former Celtic and Barcelona striker to extend his stay.
'It's up to Henrik. If he wants to stay then we'll open that discussion with United. We will not stand in his way,' said Fredin.
Larsson, however, refusing to consider his future with United having only just made his debut.
'It is all ifs and I am just taking one match at a time at the moment,' he told
The Times.
