SIR Alex Ferguson has backed Michael Owen to thrive in the Anfield cauldron.

The United striker is in line to start at his former club if Wayne Rooney fails to recover from the calf injury in time to face rivals Liverpool.

Owen could be in for a fiery reception from the Kop fans who once idolised him - but the United boss is convinced the derby hero can put Rafa Benitez' side to the sword.

Fergie said: "He's capable of scoring in any match at the highest level. He has a proven record in that respect and we knew that when we bought him.

"He's at Manchester United now. He had great years at Liverpool and I'll be interested to see the reaction he gets because very few players have played for both clubs.

"But I don't think it will bother him."

Owen is an Anfield legend, scoring 118 goals in 216 appearances, including his double in the 2001 FA Cup final to beat Arsenal.

Liverpool fans were stunned when he signed for United on a free transfer in the summer, with many angry that Benitez didn't try to lure him back to the Kop.

Owen decision

It is a decision that has looked all the more foolish with Liverpool having such little cover for leading scorer, Fernando Torres.

Owen has already made himself a United hero thanks to his last-gasp goal in the thrilling 4-3 derby win against City. And Fergie is convinced that strike was just the start of things to come and has no regrets about bringing an Anfield icon to Old Trafford.

"It was definitely the right thing to do," he said. "I see it in the movement he does. There is no one better at holding the line in the last third of the field.

"He is very seldom offside. He has the experience and talent to beat the offside trap, run the line and come in at the proper angles with the right timing. There is no one better at it.

"His derby goal doesn't put him in history books, but it won't be forgotten. He's only just started with us. Only been here a few months and I hope he's with us a long time. I think he is capable of doing that."

Former United striker Andrew Cole has warned Owen he could be in for a surprise if he expects a friendly welcome back to Anfield..

He said "Michael did a great job for Liverpool but now he's on the other side and that's the way the Liverpool fans will see it.

"You've only got to look at Carlos Tevez when he came back to United. He got a lot of flak from the supporters so it'll be very interesting tomorrow."

Darren Fletcher is another doubt ahead the game, though Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra will both return after missing the Champions League win against CSKA Moscow.

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