Beardo: Owen no gamble for Man Utd boss Ferguson

Peter Beardsley is convinced Michael Owen's move to Manchester United will prove a big success.

The Newcastle United legend worked with Owen while Kevin Keegan was manager and says the deal is no gamble for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Beardsley told BBC Sport: "I am not surprised. I had the pleasure to work with Michael when Kevin Keegan was manager and the boy is a player.

"if anybody is entitled to take a gamble it is Sir Alex. He's not daft, he realises the situation and will have done his homework.

"This is not a gamble."

Beardsley argued that Owen will get more chances playing for United than he enjoyed at the Toon.

"I think when you look at goalscorers, you need the service and Sir Alex's team has the talent to create chances for Michael. I had the pleasure of playing with Andy Cole, who was a great player, but he was a goal scorer first, he was always the first to react in the box. Michael has always had that ability and will never lose it.

"When you look at Michael's goals per games record it's incredible. I honestly don't think its a gamble."
Beardsley added: "From his point of view its a dream move back to the Northwest. I'll be shocked if he's not a success."

On Owen's injury problems, Beardsley argued: "Every injury doubt has been a serious one. It's not as if he misses the odd game because of a sore ankle, or sore hip. To say he's injury plagued is wrong, from my point of view.

"Now he's going to the champions, the champions of the world, and good luck to him."