Class of his Owen

Owen: World Cup aspirations

He is a proven goalscorer so it is not a gamble. Alex Ferguson thinks he can get the best out of him even if it is just for a year or so

Ian Rush
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Ian Rush believes a move to Manchester United could be exactly what Michael Owen needs to rediscover his form and resurrect his England career.

The former Newcastle United striker parted company with the troubled Magpies after his contract expired at the end of June and Sir Alex Ferguson has snapped up the 29-year-old on a free transfer.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez already having left Old Trafford this summer and prime target Karim Benzema heading to Real Madrid, the Premier League champions have been scouring the transfer marker for striking options.

Owen's signing has come as a shock to many after the England striker endured an injury-blighted spell at St James's Park, but former Liverpool marksman Rush insists it is a shrewd move from the Manchester United boss.

"Manchester United have missed out on signing Benzema and Ribery so they've looked at Michael Owen," the former Wales international told Sky Sports News.

Proven goalscorer

"He is a proven goalscorer so it is not a gamble. Alex Ferguson thinks he can get the best out of him even if it is just for a year or so. Michael wants to be playing in Europe at one of the top four clubs.

"He's not going to player every game; he is going to be a squad player. If you look at look at Henrik Larsson, Fergie bought him in and he was successful and I think Michael Owen can easily do the same."

Owen sits fourth on the all-time list of England goalscorers, just nine short of Bobby Charlton's record of 49, and Rush believes a switch to Old Trafford will help him force his way back into Fabio Capello's plans.

"He has still got aspirations of playing for England and I think if you are at a club like Manchester United you're playing with better players and you're going to get more chances.

"I think he is still good enough to play for England at the World Cup and at Manchester United, with the players they have got, there is a chance Michael can get back in the England scene."