Michael Owen will be a more lethal Manchester United marksman than Carlos Tevez.

That's the opinion of former England boss Glenn Hoddle.

Many United fans were angry to see Tevez leave their club and astounded by the recruitment of free agent Owen.

But Hoddle said: "It is a superb bit of business by Sir Alex Ferguson. I'm convinced it could be the shrewdest signing of the summer. If Michael can stay relatively fit and be involved in 30 or so games, he can be better for United in front of goal than Tevez. The way United play will suit Michael down to the ground."

Hoddle gave Owen his senior England debut in 1998. He progressed to one of the greatest moments of his career - his wonder goal against Argentina in the World Cup finals that summer.

Hoddle said: "Possession football and a lot of chances, it couldn't be better for him.

"At United he won't be the focal point of the team. He will have the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Valencia around him. They are match-winners as well. He will thrive at United."

Hoddle is confident that it will be another transfer coup by Ferguson just as Eric Cantona, Teddy Sheringham and Henrik Larsson were.

They were all surprise sorties into the transfer market by the United boss - and all paid a handsome dividend.

"I am sure Michael will be the same," said Hoddle.

sport@sundaymirror.co.uk