Michael Owen thanks Sir Alex Ferguson for rescuing his career
Published 00:00 04/07/09 By By David Anderson, Football Spy
Michael Owen has vowed to repay Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for rescuing his career.
But Owen faces a fight to win over the United fans - and many are furious after the former Liverpool star completed his switch to Old Trafford.
The England striker, who signed a two-year deal late yesterday, admitted: "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday and invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning during which he told methat he wanted to sign me. I agreed without a moment's thought.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me.
"I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances."
Owen moves on a free transfer, in a deal worth around £ 50,000-a-week, after passing a stringent two-day medical.
Ferguson has coveted Owen, 29, since he was a teenager at Anfield and is confident he will deliver goals. Fergie said: "Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question.
"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish."
But many United supporters are not so happy with his move from Newcastle - claiming Owen is tainted because of his Anfield past.
Liam Bradford, from the Red News fanzine, said: "He wore the wrong red shirt for too many years. Secondly, he's not had enough football in the last 24 months. Thirdly, he's too old."
