YOU TAKING THE MICHAEL? PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST: Shock Fergie call rescues Owen.

Byline: Carl Askew 

MICHAEL OWEN feared he was destined to play his football at the lower end of the Premiership until Sir Alex Ferguson called him on Wednesday.

Fergie asked him out to breakfast the following day, offered him a deal to star for Manchester United and the 29-year-old striker admits he leapt at the chance.

Owen, whose contract at relegated Newcastle expired last week, has signed a two-year deal with the English champions.

Owen's poor injury record over recent years that hampered his spell at St James' Park was thought to be a major factor in the unwillingness of most top clubs to consider taking him on a free transfer.

With the likes of Hull and Stoke publicly declaring interest in the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player it seemed Owen was destined to have to accept a substantial drop in both wages and the standard of football he craved.

In fact, his advisers had just begun negotiations with a number of parties before Ferguson's surprise call changed the outlook on everything.

Owen said: "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him next morning during which he told me he wanted to sign me.

Fortunate "I agreed without a moment's thought. This is a great opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands.

"I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate I already know so many of the players here.

"I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from day one. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance I will repay him with my goals and performances.

"It feels great. When I got the call from the manager to come round and meet him it was a shock but I'm really happy.

"I had a poor spell up at Newcastle but prior to that my career was very good and I'm sure a top club such as this can reignite my career."

Owen insisted his fitness problems of recent seasons should not be a concern for United fans.

He said: "I'd like to think everyone was quite surprised with my medical.

"I passed it and I've passed them before and my fitness is high. A lot is made of it but I certainly don't feel like I'm injury prone."

And Ferguson, who lost out to Real Madrid in the race to sign Lyon striker Karim Benzema, can see through the injury woes which have robbed Owen of what should have been the prime years of his career.

He believes there is still plenty to come from a player who scored 158 goals in 297 matches for Liverpool and struck 40 times in 89 England internationals.

Fergiesaid:"Michaelisaworld-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level.

"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations we have is something he will relish."

Owen will hope moving to United, with the promise of Champions League football again, will help his bid to force his way back into the England squad.

If he remains injury free he should still be able to score goals considering the amount of creativity United have on the field.

CAPTION(S):

COME ON YOU RED: Michael Owen is delighted to parade his new colours after snapping up the offer of a deal at Manchester United