Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping that Michael Owen can remain fit for their Premier League title charge.

The injury-plagued striker, who has been sidelined since November with a thigh problem, returned to full training on Thursday.

"Hopefully the lad will have a bit of luck," Ferguson told reporters. "He's not had much at all. When he has an injury it always seems to be a long one.

"Hopefully he'll be back for the rest of the season, which will help us."

The 32-year-old will not feature for the Red Devils in Sunday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.