Saha scored the second goal in the 4-0 win over Wigan

"If I didn't play Louis in the final after he had scored so many goals, he might say 'I can get a regular place somewhere else'," Ferguson said.

"He scored goals throughout the competition, including in both legs of the semi-final, which is some feat.

"He deserved to play in the final and everything else is secondary."

Saha admitted it was a surprise when Ferguson told him he had got the nod over Van Nistelrooy as United set about ensuring they did not go two seasons without winning a trophy.

Such a reaction would have been a shock to the manager though, who - given Saha's recent record of 10 goals in his last 15 games, and five in the Carling Cup - felt his selection was automatic.

Playing three down the middle does not work at all Sir Alex Ferguson

"I think Louis would have been disappointed if he hadn't played," Ferguson added.

And the Manchester United boss conceded he may have a juggling act in the future as he ruled out playing Saha, Van Nistlerooy and Wayne Rooney in an attacking triumvirate on a regular basis.

"You could play the three of them but I don't think you could do it every week," said Ferguson.

"The problem is you need to find some balance because playing three down the middle does not work at all.

"We have always been a team that uses the full width of the pitch and we need to play people who are prepared to get out to the sides."