Saha: I've no regrets

"It has been very difficult and I know some people's opinions have not been on my side, I can understand that.

"But I have always wanted to play in the big competitions and even players in the lower league want to move on to the next level.

"I think to play for Manchester United is not just a dream for me and even people who don't know about football can understand it.

"For me, it is the biggest club in the world. Even when Chelsea entered the dance I never thought about going anywhere but Manchester United. It was odd to be in the middle of such business.

"It is a shame the way things went on, but I am very excited now about joining United. Nothing is done yet, but everybody is crossing their fingers and hopefully this will be the end of the saga." A significant factor was United finally meeting the £12million asking price, prompted no doubt by their lacklustre display in Saturday's defeat at Wolves. Standard Sport revealed 10 days ago that Fulham would not turn down a bid of that size, despite manager Chris Coleman's earlier position that Saha would not be leaving.

Saha claimed he has not fallen out with his manager. He said: "I have spoken to him and there has been nothing wrong between me and Cookie. His was a sporting opinion and so was mine. I understand absolutely. If I was in the same position I would do the same thing."

The player believes the other Frenchmen at Old Trafford, Mikael Silvestre and David Bellion will help him settle in. And he also thinks the move will be a possible boost to his international career.

"That will help me but above everything else it is what happens on the pitch that talks. I was already thinking about the French team while I was developing as a player at Fulham. There I was having great media exposure, but it is what happens on the field that will decide where the French team is concerned. Objective number one is to play at Manchester."

Saha has been left out of Fulham's squad for tonight's match at Newcastle but, if he completes his move to Old Trafford, he will have to wait for his debut as he is cup-tied for United's fourth round match at Northampton on Sunday. Coleman is already looking at ways of replacing his 15-goal top scorer. He has already been linked with American Brian McBride of Colombus Crew and Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen. Saha's departure could damage Fulham's hopes of qualifying for Europe and they will get an immediate test of their challenge at Newcastle tonight.

Fulham should have defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Ian Pearce added to the squad for the first time and Moritz Volz back after completing his move from Arsenal.

Alain Goma is also fit after a hamstring strain.