Alex Ferguson: Michael Owen is still one of the best

ALEX FERGUSON hailed Michael Owen as "still one of the best finishers in the business" after his Carling Cup double.

Owen, 31, struck twice and Ryan Giggs, 37, added the other as Fergie's Premier League leaders destroyed Leeds by half time.

And it left Fergie drooling: "Michael is still fantastic when it comes to putting the ball in the net.

"I'm very pleased for him that he's got another couple tonight.

"When you look at his goal ratio throughout his career it is magnificent. And, yes, absolutely he is still one of the best finishers in England.

"Because of the form of the other strikers we have here, Michael is not getting the amount of games he deserves right now, and that is unfortunate for him.

"But he is a great person to have around."

Owen, who signed a new one-year deal in the summer, scuffed in his 15th-minute opener but his second 17 minutes later was a vintage effort.

The former England striker confessed: "My first goal was a pure mis-hit but, I have to say, that second one was every bit as sweet as I can hit them.

"It's always nice for me to score because it's what I have been all about over the years.

"These days, though, I am also trying to help and encourage the young players here and be an example to them.

"But, at 31, I still believe there are a few good years left in me yet."