The Times says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was unhappy with Saha's unwillingness to push himself through the rehab process late last season, particularly after he pulled out of a match away to Everton at a critical stage in the title race, and, while the manager now appears happy to take a more cautious approach, others are running out of patience.

Speaking on MUTV after Sunday's 1-o defeat of Tottenham, Lou Macari, the former United player, described news of Saha's withdrawal as "farcical", adding that "until he makes that first move, he's always going to be behind in fitness and in playing games".