Sir Alex Ferguson's first Man United signing after David Beckham's departure - who he hoped to shape into his own Thierry Henry

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted when David Bellion chose Manchester United in the summer of 2003.

Despite not becoming the Old Trafford legend Ferguson had hoped for, there was real excitement when Bellion joined. Ferguson was aiming for four trophies in one season and saw the then Sunderland forward as the ideal addition to an attack that already included Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Bellion was discovered by Sunderland two years earlier when Ricky Sbragia, future United reserve manager, spotted him at the Cannes soccer Academy - the same place that nurtured Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira. The Black Cats quickly secured a two-year deal due to their excitement about the French youngster's raw talent and athleticism.

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Bellion started the next season in the northeast promisingly, with two substitute appearances in the first three Premier League matches. However, he only featured another seven times as he struggled with the physicality of the English top-flight.

Ferguson was impressed by Bellion's speed when he saw him play at an Under-20 youth tournament in Jersey. The French forward's performances at this level sparked Ferguson's interest.

Bellion loved athletics as much as football, and even won a 60-metre race at the 2001 National Indoor Youth Championships. His athletic ability led to comparisons with Arsenal star Thierry Henry. Ferguson believed he could turn Bellion into a top Premiership striker, just like Arsene Wenger did with Henry.

Interest in Bellion grew after a mixed start to