Newcastle hero Lee: Owen deal genius move by Man Utd boss Ferguson

Newcastle United hero Rob Lee has hailed Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's capture of Michael Owen.

"It's a piece of genius management," he said. "Getting Michael for free on what I'm sure will essentially be a pay-as-you-play basis is very, very, good business. It's no gamble."

Even so Manchester United fans are largely underwhelmed at the prospect of Owen replacing Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Of course Michael can't do what Ronaldo does," Lee added. "Ronaldo is the best in the world and as close as anyone to being indispensable but in one-on-one situations, Michael is a better finisher. Sir Alex has lost the player who got the bulk of United's goals, many of them great goals, but he is replacing him with someone capable of scoring once every two games."

Peter Taylor, who coached Owen during his days as a member of Glenn Hoddle's England staff, does not demur.

"United create so many chances it wouldn't surprise me if Michael is the Premier League's top scorer next year. And I'm sure he'll be on the plane to South Africa [for the World Cup] next summer. Sir Alex has been very clever."