Joe Kinnear Backs Alex Ferguson To Get The Best From Michael Owen

Joe Kinnear, the man whose time as Newcastle United manager last season was curtailed by his unfortunate heart problems, thinks that Manchester United's shock signing of Michael Owen today could work out well, but has admitted to concerns about the player's fitness.

Kinnear managed Owen at St James' Park last season, and feels that, with less of a burden on his shoulders, the former England international could be a success at Old Trafford, but that Sir Alex Ferguson must manage him very carefully.

"I wouldn't say I'm surprised, because he's a very talented player. You don't need me telling you how good Michael is," he told Sky Sports News.

"To be fair, I think he'd be the first to put his hand up and say he had a disappointing time [at Newcastle], but I'm sure with all the great players around him at Man United, it can only enhance his game.

"No one knows the game better than Alex Ferguson.

"I wish him [Owen] good luck, and I think you'll probably see him score goals."

As for the player's fitness, Kinnear acknowledged that it could present problems, but backed Ferguson to manage the situation well, and ensure that the striker was in the best condition possible.

"That's always been the Achilles heel if you like, Michael's fitness," he added.

"That's something I'm sure Alex will be taking into account. It might just be that he rests him a few weeks and plays him a few games. Man United could be in that sort of position.

"When we were at Newcastle the truth of the matter is that there was a lot of burden on his shoulders because he was the main striker that we needed to score the goals to get us out of the trouble we were in.

"Unfortunately his fitness level let him down on a few occasions. I hope for Michael's sake he's got over that, and hopefully we' re going to see the Michael Owen that we all used to know.

"I think he's right up there with the best of them. I like to think I played with one of the best strikers in the world - Jimmy Greaves - for many, many years. He's got similar attributes.

"He's a great finisher. He's cool and calm under the pressure. The thing that's always gone against him is his fitness.

"He's a great professional, there's no question about that. He understands the game, he's very dedicated.

"Hopefully Michael will achieve the fitness level he needs to play at such a high level and I wish him all the best. I'm sure Alex will get the best out of him."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com