Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes the club will never match the success of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Saha, who won four trophies in a four-year spell at Old Trafford until he left in 2008, has seen United slip behind rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool in recent seasons.

“I fully believe they will come back, but you need to understand that in football you might copy it, but it will never be the same," said the France international striker.

“The element of surprise is gone, because you think, 'Well, we're expected to do this'. It's a job.

“United have the back up of having the fans who will always be there so it's a case of working hard - going back to basics. It's been painful the last few years, but I'm certain Ole and his staff at the club will provide a really good base."