Michael Owen: I should have left Manchester United sooner

The Potters last week completed the signing of former England striker Owen, a free agent after his release from United, on a one-year deal, with the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Owen played a bit-part, albeit often injury-blighted, role during his three campaigns with the Red Devils.

He made only four appearances last season, the most recent in November – and accepts he might have been better off departing Old Trafford a year earlier.

‘I was on the bench a lot of the time, but then when the manager says “you have a big role to play and we want you to stay for another year”, it was great to hear that from someone like Sir Alex Ferguson,’ said Owen.

‘In hindsight, probably with that extra year, it might have been better if I had moved in many ways.’

The former Real Madrid striker had various suitors over the past few months, with even former club Liverpool linked, but was determined to join Stoke since speaking to boss Tony Pulis earlier in the summer.

‘There were a couple of Premier League teams that showed interest but this is a team on the up, I know the manager and a few of the players – and it meant I didn’t have to move my family as well,’ added Owen, who could make his debut tomorrow against Manchester City at the Britannia.

‘I want to perform and I want to finish my career on a real high. I’m still only 32 and I feel as if I have a lot left in me.

‘I’ve always scored goals no matter what team I have been in, so as long as I can stay fit, then I’m sure I can do that here.’