After seeing Michael Owen score twice for Manchester United against Chinese Super League outfit Greentown Hangzhou yesterday, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has no doubts he will live up to wearing the club's No7.

"The criteria for the number seven is quite clear," said Ferguson. "It is a jersey that has been worn by some high-profile players and we have that in Michael Owen.

"You have to choose someone you are confident can carry that on and his profile in the last decade has been outstanding.

"I am not concerned about what the supporters think - it is important to give it to someone who is confident and comfortable and he was a natural choice.

"Owen's overall play is well suited to us.

"He is very clever in the last third. He knows when to run and when to hold his runs.

"The experience he gives in that position is vital.

"It's not the acid test but things are looking good with that signing because, given his abilities and understanding of play in the last third, we know he will get goals."