Ian Rush is backing Michael Owen to prove his critics wrong with
Manchester United.
Owen is expected to complete a surprise switch to Old Trafford,
just two days after he became a free agent when his contract at
Newcastle expired.
There are concerns about Owen's fitness, with the outcome of a
medical seemingly the only thing blocking the deal.
However, Rush has no doubts Owen can prove his class with the
Premier League champions.
He told Sky Sports News: "People have knocked Michael Owen all
his career but he comes back bigger and better.
"People said he was finished years ago but he's a fantastic
player who comes back stronger and better.
"It (the talk) won't worry him, I know the way he is and he
doesn't have to prove anything anyway.
"It's a chance for Michael to get back and score some goals.
He'll get chances for Manchester United and will score goals."
Former Liverpool favourite Rush - who scored more than 220 goals
for the club in two spells either side of an ill-fated stint in
Italy with Juventus - believes Owen would make a good impression
were he to return to Anfield.
However, the 47-year-old, who made 73 appearances for Wales
added: "Personally, I'd like to have seen him at Liverpool but they
haven't lost their best strikers. He (manager Rafael Benitez) will
be happy with what he's got."