Ferguson Words Strengthen’ Owen

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants Michael Owen to perform his best on Sunday’s match against his former team Liverpool. Already Liverpool have faced four consecutive defeats and will they continue their bad form for another match. "That will never be forgotten," Ferguson said. "I don't know if it puts him in the history books but it will certainly never be forgotten.
"He is only just starting with us. He has only been here a few months and I hope the boy is here for a long time. "I think he is well capable of doing that. He is showing he is a terrific professional, he lives his life the right way and there are no complications with him." His injury record is a factor Ferguson had to take into consideration and the player can perhaps be grateful to a former Newcastle team-mate and ex-United star for helping secure the move. "Michael is capable of scoring in any type of match at the highest level," Ferguson said. "He has proved that, we knew that.” Looking at his CV, I think any club in the world would have taken him.
"The issue was his playing record over the last two or three years and that obviously put some clubs off. "But I spoke to one or two people about him - Nicky Butt was almost forcing me to sign him, he had so much good to say about the lad. "I think it was good advice and I took that on board." Rooney's fitness will be assessed at training today, his 24th birthday.