Fergie rules out Owen exit

Michael Owen will not be leaving Manchester United during the January transfer window according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and there has been speculation the Red Devils would look to off-load him in January to avoid losing him for nothing in June.

But Ferguson declared Owen was still a required player at Old Trafford and expected the former Liverpool ace to make an impact as he returns to fitness after a hamstring injury.

“He is looking really good,” Ferguson told the Mail on Sunday. “He has trained really well this week. People may have forgotten just what a good player Michael is.”

“He’s had a nightmare time with a bad hamstring injury but now he deserves a change of luck.”

“If he can stay fit, I believe he has an important part to play for the club between now and the end of the season; there’s no doubt about that. He still has a great engine.”

“There has never been a problem with him since he came to United.”

“He is great to have around. He conducts himself well and is a great example to the younger players.”

“I know a few clubs have been thinking about him for a possible loan arrangement but it will not happen. He is definitely not going anywhere.”