Stoke City striker Michael Owen feels he'll always be a Manchester United legend after his derby winner three years ago.

His stunning injury-time winner against Manchester City on September 21, 2009, has ­assured the former England hot-shot of immortality in United's derby hall of fame.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Owen told the People: "I think if you ask any United fan what was the best ­moment of Michael Owen's time here they'd all say that derby goal - and it's probably the stand-out moment for me too.

"It's a special memory because it won us a memorable derby and was in front of the Stretford End - the fans don't forget something like that.

"It wasn't my first goal for the club but it came early in my first season at United and to score such an important goal helped me settle down at Old Trafford.

"That's the goal people always ­remember but there were other highlights too. The hat-trick against Wolfs-burg in the final Champions League qualifier that same season is also a great memory because it helped us to get top spot in the group.

"And scoring in the 2010 Carling Cup Final against Aston Villa at Wembley is something I cherish, as well as winning the Premier League the following year."