Louis Saha has pledged to be a factor as Manchester United look to retain the Premier League title because he wants to repay the faith shown in him by Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager.

The France striker insists he is overcoming his nagging injury problems and can play an important role in what remains of the season. Saha has started only eight games this term but did score twice in the 4-0 win over Sunderland on Boxing Day.

“I know I can do better, and hopefully I showed that against Sunderland. The manager has always shown a lot of faith in me and that gives me a lot of confidence,” he said.

“I’m definitely getting there [overcoming injuries]. I played two full games in a row over Christmas and that was the first time I’d done that for a while.

“So things are improving and I’m looking to play even more. My target now is to stay fit and keep finding the back of the net.

“I’m a striker and that’s my job and now I want to concentrate on scoring more goals for the team. I’m very hard on myself and always want to do better, so I’m not very satisfied with how the season has gone so far on a personal level.”

Saha hopes to be in contention for United’s trip to Reading on Saturday but Gary Neville is unlikely to figure despite being back in training as he is short of match fitness.

Paul Scholes is also still out but Owen Hargreaves should be available again after missing the 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle United with bruised ribs, and Wes Brown is back from suspension.