Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed how highly he regarded Michael Owen during his time at Old Trafford.

Owen is fit to face his old club for Stoke City today.

Ferguson said: "There was the case when I left Berbatov out of the European final. I looked at my subs and thought if I was a goal down with a minute to go who would I depend on? Berba or Michael? Michael won hands down, no doubt about that.

"He never missed a training session. Every morning he was always there. He showed a great desire to be part of the scene here.

"And he improved as a footballer, really. Technically he got better, even though he was in his thirties."