Michael Owen: I can help Manchester United win the league this season

The Red Devils' front-man looks forward to making a return from injury for his club's vital title run-in, following some confidence boosting comments from Sir Alex Ferguson

Michael Owen is hoping to return to his former goal-scoring form as soon as possible to help Sir Alex Ferguson clinch his 20th league title.

The ex-Liverpool star hasn't featured for United since November last year following a thigh injury, having only made a total of four appearances this season, but has recently returned to training.

Sir Alex believes Owen can be influential in the remaining games of the season, however: "If you ever think about a player to score a more important goal for you is there anyone better than Michael Owen?" the United boss was quoted as saying in The Sun.
"He will be a really welcome addition to our squad, even if it were to be [only] for the last few games of the season".

And the 32-year-old seems to have taken confidence from his manager's comments, telling The Sun: "Let's hope he's right. I know that if he's in need of a goal and he puts me on, then I'll be hoping and thinking that I could do what he's said," the ex-England international added.

"It's been a tough few months, seeing the lads running out one way to the pitches and me walking another to the gym.

"The end is nearly in sight. I've just started training again so hopefully in a few weeks I'll be back and hopefully available for selection."

The former Real Madrid man has been in the unfortunate position of being a mere spectator for much of the season, but offered his views on the race for the title between his side and Manchester City.

"We're top of the league but it's going to go down to the wire," said Owen.

"When the fixtures came out, you look at the Man City game third from the end of the season and think 'that's going to be a big game'.

"The lads have done fantastically well over the last couple of months. They've put together a great run of form and we're in a fantastic position.

"But it's reassuring to look around our dressing room and see the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney."

Owen is well-known for his love of horse racing but insists he will stay in football once his playing career has ended.

"I don't think I am going to be one of those players who is still playing when they are 37 or 38 like Ryan," added the United man on his playing career.

"But I certainly think I still have another two or three years left in me.

"Training horses doesn't really interest me. I'll stay in football and stick to what I am doing here, just running the ship from above."