Over the summer Saha suffered another hamstring strain which ruled him out for the first three months of the 2005–06 season. It wasn't until on 30 November 2005 when he scored on his first appearance of the season, as well as, setting up the club's third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win against West Bromwich Albion. Following his return, Saha eased back into side as a sub, making appearances in League Cup matches. To the surprise of many, the French striker recaptured his initial good form and started banging in the goals. Six goals in the League Cup run saw him usurp Van Nistelrooy as the first-choice strike partner for Wayne Rooney. Saha was named a starter, over Van Nistelrooy, in the final against Wigan Athletic, and scored a goal. Despite suffering from an injury along the way, he later scored four more goals later in the 2005–06 season, including a brace against West Bromwich Albion on 18 March 2006. At the end of the 2005–06 season, Saha went on to make 30 appearances and scoring 15 times in all competitions.