Source: Team_Talk
Owen: I'm in Ferguson's plans
Michael Owen says Sir Alex Ferguson has told him he has a "big part to play" in Manchester United's impending season. [LNB] The 31-year-old striker recently penned a one-year extension on his Old Trafford deal after joining the club from Newcastle in 2009. [LNB]Owen saw his first-team opportunities restricted last term, taking a back seat to Ferguson's preferred partnership of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez. [LNB]But the former England international says he has been assured by the Red Devils manager that he is in his plans for the new campaign. [LNB]He told Sky Sports News: "The manager spoke to me just prior to the end of the season and said that he wanted me to stay and saw that I had a big part to play next season, which is obviously why I signed the extra year option that I had in my original contract. [LNB]"I was delighted to hear that, for starters, and then obviously to agree to it. I've said many times, the only way to go from a club like this is down."[LNB]Owen believes there will be plenty of games to share around this season and does not expect to be kicking his heels. [LNB]"We do play more games than most teams," he added. "We get to the latter stages in a lot of cup competitions so there's a lot of games to go around. [LNB]"My first season was fantastic, I played an awful lot of games. Last year was a little bit quieter, everyone seemed to be fit and playing well. [LNB]"Obviously the goals that were being scored by everyone else didn't allow you to get that look-in. But I still had some great times and hopefully this year is going to be the same."
