Michael Owen has three games left to rescue his Manchester United career.

The Manchester Evening News says even if Owen does manage to get involved in the games against Manchester City, Swansea and Sunderland between now and the end of the season, he is fighting a losing battle to secure a future at Old Trafford.

Since joining as a free agent from Newcastle in 2009, he has made only 18 starts as injury has curtailed his progress.

Although his finishing prowess remains - with 17 goals in all - it would represent a major gamble for Sir Alex Ferguson to offer him a fresh one-year extension.