Fergie hopeful on Owen

Ferguson hopeful striker back in weeks

Last updated: 1st October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie hopeful on Owen

Owen: Groin strain

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Sir Alex Ferguson has played down the severity of Michael Owen's groin injury, saying he will return in weeks.

The former Newcastle man felt his groin after training on Sunday and had hoped it had cleared up ahead of the visit of Wolfsburg.

Owen was given the nod against the Bundesliga champions, but was forced off after just 20 minutes after feeling the injury once more.

Ferguson admits the 29-year-old will need a short spell on the sidelines, although he expects him fit and available within three weeks.

Tweak

"He felt his groin after training on Sunday," he explained. "He trained a little bit on Monday and we had a rest day yesterday.

"He thought he was fine. Groins are groins. On a wet surface like that he's turned quickly and it's come again.

"We had to take him off. I don't think it's a serious one. Groin injuries can be troublesome and it could be two to three weeks.

"The only good part about it is his fitness levels are very good, so he shouldn't need to worry about that."

Midfield duo

Meanwhile, Ferguson reserved special praise for midfield duo Michael Carrick and Anderson following United's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.

The Scottish tactician was delighted with United's performance, but felt the pair ran the show in midfield with Carrick scoring the winner.

"I think we had a very good team performance tonight in terms of our football," he continued.

"I think Michael and Anderson in central midfield had particularly good games for us.

"It doesn't do him any harm in scoring a goal, but he really did enjoy himself tonight.

"We think that he's always slow to start the seasons since he's come to us and it's normally about October that he gets into his stride and we're seeing that."

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