Manchester United striker Michael Owen knew he was expected to deliver after last night's brace at Leeds United.

The 31-year-old admits he felt pressure before the game against Leeds - his first appearance of the campaign for the Red Devils - and he was delighted to use his chance to once again prove the naysayers wrong.

"The best players in the world can have a bad game and if I have a bad game tonight you can see the criticism before it even starts.

"That negative thought is definitely in the back of your mind going into games because you can't put it right in three or four days' time like most other players that play all the time.

"The pressure's on and thankfully every time I have started I've managed to quieten those people before they chirp up."