Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has praised Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson over the signing of Michael Owen.

Whelan told the Manchester Evening News: "A wise old head has been behind the move for Owen and I think it will pay big dividends.

"United's capture of Owen could be a wonderfully shrewd move on Fergie's part. He knows the player and he realises Owen can still deliver.

"I also feel Owen is still capable of popping up and scoring vital goals. I'm fully expecting to see him used as an impact player at United.

"For 30 minutes of any game, whether it be the Premiership or in Europe, he could have a devastating effect.

"He's got bags of experience and the lad is still a threat. I've always admired Owen and I tried to sign him at Wigan a couple of years ago when it was first mooted he wanted to come back to the Premiership from his time in Spain.

"His move to United last week came out of the blue but Fergie can obviously see something and there's clearly a part for Owen to play in the grand master plan.

"The United squad is extremely strong and they can afford to have Owen in it. He's a player who's always scored goals and United have always had these impact players who've popped up with big goals in big games and gone on and helped the club to success.

"I say hats off to Fergie because he's looked at the big picture and realised what Owen can do.

"And a move to United will certainly not do Owen's chances of gaining an England recall any harm.

"Owen will be in the spotlight but he is a man who has always had the knack of winning games and, if you need someone to come on and get you a goal, he's still the man you would want."