Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush has backed Michael Owen to be a goalscoring success at Manchester United. The 29-year-old completed a surprise switch to Old Trafford last night, just two days after he became a free agent when his contract at Newcastle United expired.

Injuries have ruined recent seasons for Owen and he made just 71 league appearances for the Magpies following his transfer from Real Madrid in 2005. However, Rush believes the move gives the striker an opportunity to return to form in front of goal after scoring just 30 times in all competitions for Newcastle.

He'll get chances for Manchester United and will score goals. People have knocked Michael Owen all his career but he comes back bigger and better.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush

"It's a chance for Michael to get back and score some goals," Rush told Sky Sports News. "He'll get chances for Manchester United and will score goals. People have knocked Michael Owen all his career but he comes back bigger and better.

"People said he was finished years ago but he's a fantastic player who comes back stronger and better. It (the talk) won't worry him, I know the way he is and he doesn't have to prove anything anyway."

Former Liverpool favourite Rush, who scored more than 220 goals for the club in two spells either side of an ill-fated stint in Italy with Juventus, believes Owen would make a good impression were he to return to Anfield. However, the 47-year-old, who made 73 appearances for Wales, is aware Reds manager Rafa Benitez has solid options in attack.

"Personally, I'd like to have seen him at Liverpool but they haven't lost their best strikers. He (Benitez) will be happy with what he's got."

I played with one of the best strikers in the world in Jimmy Greaves, and Michael has similar attributes. I'm sure Alex will get the best out of him.
Joe Kinnear believes Michael Owen will find his form under Sir Alex Ferguson

Joe Kinnear, who was in the Newcastle hot-seat during the 2008/09 season but rearely had a fit Owen at his disposal, has backed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to get the best out of the England international. "He's right up there with the best of them," Kinnear said. 

"I like to think I played with one of the best strikers in the world in Jimmy Greaves, and Michael has similar attributes. He's a great pro, he's very dedicated, he's a really nice lad and I'm sure Alex will get the best out of him."