Real Madrid captain Raul has backed former teammate Michael Owen to be a huge success at Manchester United. He told the Sunday Mirror: "It would not surprise me if Michael is the top goalscorer in England next season."

Raul readily explained the logic behind his bold prediction.

He added: "A player can lose fitness and as he gets older a player can lose a bit of his pace, but players with goalscoring instincts like Michael has don't lose that.

"It would be crazy for anybody to write off Michael.

"He has been unlucky with injuries, but he is at one of the best and biggest clubs in the world now who will have the very best of people to look after him and keep him sharp.

"That's why it wouldn't surprise me if he's the top goalscorer in your Premier League.

"You have great strikers like Fernando (Torres) at Liverpool and Chelsea's Didier Drogba [above], but if Michael stays fit and plays games I could see him scoring more than anybody."

Raul added: "People talk about Michael being past his best, but it is common knowledge that a player's peak years are between 28 and 30, so he could be playing his best football at United He may have to adapt his game slightly as he gets older as he used to be all about pace, but the quality of service he will get at Manchester will be a dream for a player with goal scoring instincts like him."

Raul also said: "Manchester United are still the best team in England. I'm sure Michael can get his first Premier League winner's medal next year, but I expect Liverpool to run them close."