Michael Owen Looking To Future

Michael Owen believes that he has four or five years left playing football.

Manchester United get their season underway tonight against Newcastle United as they look to recapture the Premier League title from Chelsea.

But it's been a tough few years for Michael Owen who returned to English football back after a spell in Spain but a whole host of injuries saw his career stall

But he joined Manchester United last year on a free transfer and believes that training everyday with world class players has been a real help. And while he admits that he is not going to play every game but will be ready when the manager calls on him.

"I'm 30 now and understand I won't play every game. I've had a lot of injuries and don't have the pace I once had. But life evolves. I've changed my style, I'm a different type of player now and, because of that, I reckon I've still got four or five years at the top.

"And I much prefer that to be at United, where I train every day with some of the world's top players. Where I work every day with arguably the best manager who's ever lived.

"Where I play in front of such great fans and in an amazing stadium such as Old Trafford. And I'm really happy I now live back at home after having been away for five years.

"I prefer all of those things ahead of playing every game for a team that's only ever going to be 12th in the league. Now that's when I would struggle to find the motivation.

"So I'd rather play half the games but be at United with this great manager, these great players, at this great stadium and in front of so many fanatical fans. If United play 60 games again this season, I can still play a big part.

"I've been talking to Gary Neville about it and we all know the importance these days of having a quality squad so the manager is able to rotate his players.

"So I have to work hard every day to make sure I am always ready and available because I'm sure I will get my chance."

United finished second last season behind Chelsea, as the London club did the domestic double, they also missed out on the Champion's League after being beaten by Bayern Munich.

Alex Ferguson has brought in Portuguese player Bebe this summer for £7 million as he tires to add more goal scoring power to his squad.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw