Source: SKY_Sports
The perfect move
Jamie Redknapp has backed Michael Owen to be a success at Manchester United, if he can stay clear of injury.
Owen completed a shock move to the Premier League champions on Friday night after undergoing a rigorous medical exam, having previously been linked with both Hull City and Stoke City.
The former Real Madrid striker has been dogged by injuries in recent years but Redknapp, who played alongside Owen at Liverpool, believes the move which caught the football world by surprise will benefit all parties involved.
"It's an amazing move and I think it's shocked everyone in football, but I can see why Manchester United have signed him," he told Sky Sports News.
"At Newcastle he looked disgruntled and he looked like he had lost his desire to play a bit, but there will be nothing better for him than to get a Manchester United shirt on and have the opportunity to show what he can do and show that he is still a top player.
"From Manchester United's point of view it's a free transfer and (the contract) will be performance related, so I would imagine if Michael does well he will get the money that top players get and if he doesn't play he won't.
"So I can see why they've done it and I think it will turn out to be good business as long as Michael can stay fit."
The move has been questioned by some sections of the Old Trafford faithful who will no doubt find Owen's affiliations with bitter rivals Liverpool tough to swallow, however Redknapp insists that Owen's record speaks for itself.
"Michael is one the greatest centre forwards that this country has ever seen," he said.
"I played alongside him for four or five years and he has phenomenal ability. He might have lost a little bit of pace, but when that ball falls in the box there is nobody better.
"Given the amount of opportunities that Manchester United make there is no doubt in my mind that he will get goals, but he just needs to stay fit."
Owen's move to Old Trafford could also revive the striker's international hopes ahead of the 2010 World Cup, according to
Redknapp.
He has hardly featured under England manager Fabio Capello, but playing alongside Wayne Rooney will no doubt enhance his chances.
"If Michael can produce the goods for Manchester United and maybe score 15-20 goals he will be knocking on the door for the World Cup," said Redknapp. "But Fabio Cappello knows what he wants to do."
