Owen was a 'clever' signing by Ferguson, says Carragher

Owen has been in excellent form during pre-season (GETTY IMAGES)

Jamie Carragher is pleased to see former Liverpool team-mate Michael Owen back at a top-four club, but hopes his friend finds life tough at Manchester United. Carragher said United's latest signing could prove a masterstroke, but is crossing his fingers the England striker struggles for goals in the Premier League title race.

"Signing Owen was a clever piece of business by United and he has started really well in pre-season," said Carragher. "In a way I'm pleased he's got a big move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle. Why? What did he do wrong up there?

"For me, Michael Owen is still a great player and great role model and I have this feeling he'll be good for United. But he plays for our biggest rivals now so he'll know I won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts.

"He's scored a lot of goals in the first few games for United and I hope he scores a few more pre-season because I want him to do well. But as soon as the season starts I hope he has a drought."