LOUIS SAHA is determined to give Manchester United the same dose of pain that dealt Chelsea’s championship challenge a significant blow in midweek.

But the Everton striker admits he would like nothing more than to see the Premier League trophy back at Old Trafford come the end of the season.

Saha did his old team-mates a huge favour by scoring both goals as David Moyes’s side came from behind to beat league leaders Chelsea 2-1 at Goodison on Wednesday night.

It was the perfect response to the derby defeat at Liverpool five days earlier, and an important morale boost with Everton’s next league assignment of a pivotal February the visit of United on Saturday week.

Saha now has 15 goals for season and his double strike has rekindled hopes of European qualification.

But when asked where his title allegiance lies, the striker said: “I’d love to say Everton, but obviously that’s not going to happen, and I think it will be tight between Chelsea and United.

“Chelsea are very strong, but I think United are better – and personally I would be delighted if they won it. I’d definitely prefer that. I still keep in touch with a lot of them from United, especially Patrice Evra. Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves are on the phone a lot, and they’ve got a really good bunch of guys. But after Wednesday night I will probably have got more messages and calls than ever.

“I know I will be getting a lot of calls now, and it is a big boost for United. But the main thing has to be Everton, and taking us as high up the table as possible.

“It’s a big month for us, and we need to concentrate on keeping this level of performance now. We have a big squad with a lot of belief in there.”

Saha ended speculation over his future last week by signing a two-year contract extension at Goodison. And the 31-year-old admits the rumours of a possible departure had affected his game.

“It is a relief having the contract talks settled, because it was a bit stressful,” said Saha. “I have always said I see my long-term future at Goodison and Wednesday was great. But it’s not about just me, it’s the team because we have a great spirit here.