Ian Rush is backing Michael Owen to prove his critics wrong with Manchester United.

Owen is expected to complete a surprise switch to Old Trafford, just days after he became a free agent when his contract at crisis-torn Newcastle United expired.

There are concerns about Owen’s fitness, with the outcome of a medical seemingly the only thing blocking the deal.

However, Rush has no doubts Owen can prove his class and his worth with the Premier League champions.

The Liverpool legend said: “People have knocked Michael Owen all his career but he comes back bigger and better.

“People said he was finished years ago but he’s a fantastic player who comes back stronger and better.

“It (the talk) won’t worry him, I know the way he is and he doesn’t have to prove anything anyway.

“It’s a chance for Michael to get back and score some goals. He’ll get chances for Manchester United and will score goals.”

Former Liverpool favourite Rush – who scored more than 220 goals for the club in two spells either side of an ill-fated stint in Italy with Juventus – believes Owen would make a good impression were he to return to Anfield.

However, the 47-year-old, who made 73 appearances for Wales added: “Personally, I’d like to have seen him at Liverpool but they haven’t lost their best strikers.

“He (manager Rafael Benitez) will be happy with what he’s got.”