Boss Feels For Owen

Sir Alex revealed he was gutted for Michael Owen after the striker limped off in the opening stages of United’s 2-0 win against Otelul Galati on Wednesday.

Owen was handed a rare Champions League start – only his fourth in two-and-a-half seasons at the club – but was forced from the pitch with a thigh injury inside 10 minutes.

“It’s a tragedy for the lad,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports. “I really feel for him, he’s a really good player.”

The manager, speaking immediately after the game, said he didn’t know how long Owen would likely to be sidelined for, although he confirmed the no.7 had “done his thigh muscle” in a “freak” incident.

And while it may not come as much consolation to Owen as he heads into Carrington on Thursday morning to begin treatment of the injury, the 31-year-old can be proud of the fact that he played a major role in United’s early opener.

“He made the goal for us,” the boss said. “He made a fantastic run to the near post for Phil Jones' cross and took the defenders with him to leave Antonio Valencia with a simple knock-in.”

United’s medical staff will assess Owen on Thursday.