"Is that a joke?"

That was the instinctive reaction of a friend of mine who supports Manchester United when I told him that Sir Alex Ferguson was about to sign Michael Owen.

Disbelief seems to be the general response to the news that Owen is heading for the Red Devils after his Newcastle United nightmare.

The Magpies are well shot of Owen who proved an expensive flop at St James' Park.

Only the likes of Stoke and Hull appeared to be prepared to take a gamble on the injury-prone striker but Manchester United have made a shock move.

Owen's not the player he was - I reckon Fergie's had a bit too much sun.