Arsenal legend Ian Wright is backing Michael Owen to repay the faith shown by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

In his column for The Sun, Wright wrote: "I've always been one of Michael's biggest fan but I felt in recent years he appeared to lose his desire.

"He needed a kick up the backside and Alex Ferguson will provide that. He is going to United to salvage his career for club and country. If he does well for United, there is the likelihood he will force his way back into England coach Capello's squad for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

"If Owen fails to make the grade, we'll all know his career at the top level is finished. Not many players get the chance to work with Ferguson at the peak of their careers, never mind the tail end of them. But the most decorated manager in English football history has seen something in 29-year-old Owen.

"Like he did with Teddy Sheringham and Henrik Larsson, who, remember, were also no spring chickens when they joined United. Owen can have the same positive effect as those two."