Gary Neville has told Michael Owen he is a much-needed player at Manchester United.
Owen has been linked with Aston Villa this past week.
But in his column for the Sunday Times of Malta , Neville wrote: "Michael Owen grabbed a brace (against Scunthorpe) and he will always score goals. His temperament and goal-scoring mentality are among the best you will see.
"He will get more first team opportunities because he's looking extremely sharp; every time he gets a chance he looks like he will take it. He's a vital part of the squad and we missed him towards the end of last season when he got injured."