Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United Football Club have pulled off something of a masterstroke by signing Michael Owen ahead of the new season.

The former Liverpool striker may have upset the red half of Merseyside by signing for their archrivals, and his popularity will further plummet at his ex-club if he helps United to a record nineteenth title.

This is something Carragher clearly feels his pal is capable of, and the Anfield defender has revealed he feels Owen’s move to Manchester could well be one of the best pieces of business this summer.

"Signing Michael Owen was a clever piece of business by Manchester United and he has started really well in pre-season,” Carragher told the Sunday Mirror of the England international.

"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 United. 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'll know I won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts."