Past-it Owen to get another year at United

Despite making only 11 league appearances and scoring two league goals last season, Michael Owen has been awarded a one-year contract extension with Manchester United.

With Sir Alex Ferguson rumoured to be preparing an overhaul of a quite average squad at Old Trafford, it was thought that the 31-year old would be on his way out of the club in the summer, but Fergie has given him another year to prove his worth at the Premier League champions.

The signing of Owen on a free transfer was considered to be something of a coup in the summer of 2009 and Fergie’s gamble looked to have paid off when he scored a dramatic injury time winner against bitter rivals Manchester City soon after arriving at the club.

Since then, however, Owen has looked a pale shadow of his former self and a series of injuries have robbed him of the pace that once made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe.

The decision to give Owen another year casts further doubt on the future of United’s sulky Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, who was left off the bench for the Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona at the weekend despite being the joint-top scorer in the Premier League this season.

Reports are suggesting that Berbatov may be offered to former club Tottenham Hotspur as part of a deal that would bring Croatian midfielder Luka Modric to Old Trafford in a deal that would please the majority of United fans.

Speaking about Owen’s new contract, Ferguson said: "Michael has proved to be a top footballer. It’s unfortunate Michael didn’t get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season.”

The player himself added: “I’m delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract. To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many incredibly passionate supporters, is a real inspiration. I can’t wait for next season to start."