SIR Alex Ferguson is yet to speak with Michael Owen about his future – but he insists the former England striker has a big part to play this season.

Owen has failed to make a meaningful contribution during his second season at Manchester United.

His substitute appearance against Stoke on Tuesday was only his eighth at senior level this season, three of which have been starts.

As Owen’s contract expires at the end of the season, it does not bode well for an extension, especially as Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez have been excellent this term, Wayne Rooney had just signed a five-and-a-half year deal and Danny Welbeck is expected to return from Sunderland in the summer.

However, now fully recovered from the major hamstring injury he suffered during last season’s Carling Cup final, Owen, a free transfer capture from Newcastle United, could still catch his manager’s eye as Ferguson views the 31-yearold as an integral figure.

‘‘Now he is back fit, Michael will always be considered part of the squad and he will play in some big games,’’ Ferguson said.

‘‘I have not spoken to him about next season. There is no need for me to discuss that at the moment.

‘‘He is a terrific player and a role model in the dressing room.

“He has never missed a session while he has been fit.’’