Owen agents assure Man Utd of fitness

Manchester United have been assured of Michael Owen's fitness by the player's representatives.

Physio John Green revealed in the brochure recently sent to clubs by Owen's advisers: "Michael has no arthritic changes, common in footballers, in his knees or ankles.

"Michael is no longer susceptible to muscle injury.

"Michael should have a specific programme designed to maintain and enhance his speed, agility and acceleration."

Green added: "During the time that Michael was recovering from an ankle sprain, he had revision surgery on both groins.

"In the off-season of 2008 Michael contracted a virus which gave him severe symptoms of mumps.

"The mumps virus attacked his muscular system. Unfortunately six weeks after contracting the virus Michael attempted to catch up on pre-season training with Newcastle.

"He then sustained a strain of his calf on the first morning of preseason training."