Michael Owen Could Become Premier League's Top Scorer

Former Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has stated that Michael Owen will become a success, after his shock transfer to Manchester United. The England international moved on a free transfer to Old Trafford yesterday, after his contract with the Magpies expired. It was expected that he would move to a mid-table Premier League club, but Sir Alex Ferguson surprised everyone by snapping up the experienced striker. Souness feels the transfer was a great piece of business for the club, and said that they will soon see the benefits. Speaking to The Telegraph, Souness said, "It is a fabulous bit of business by Sir Alex Ferguson. Whatever deal goes through, whether it is pay as you play or something else, it will work out well because Michael is still only 29 and he hasn't lost any of his desire.

"Nor does he have any medical problems to stop him from becoming a top player and possibly the top scorer in the Premier League. When I was at Newcastle, I only had him for 10 games because of injury and we won the majority of them thanks to Michael." 

Despite reports to the contrary, the Scotsman also feels Owen will have a big part to play in Ferguson's team.

"Michael could be about to enter the best period of his career. He will be playing for the best team he has ever played for; that's bad news for my old club, Liverpool, and I'm a bit disappointed that they didn't want him back, but then again everyone sees things differently.

"I think Michael is an extremely dangerous animal; he's been criticised by almost everyone recently and, with that in mind, Old Trafford will be the perfect environment for him to thrive in." 

The former Magpies manager also feels the move will reignite the ex-Liverpool player's international career.

"I have no doubts whatsoever that Michael will be at the World Cup finals next year with England, and Sir Bobby Charlton's England goal-scoring record will be under serious threat again.

"I am a big fan of Michael and am certain he will be a resounding success at Manchester Untied – and that is good news for Fabio Capello." 

Owen has filled the gap left by Carlos Tevez at Old Trafford, with the Argentine striker expected to complete a move to Manchester rivals Manchester City over the next few weeks.