Michael Owen has said that his former side Manchester United are now only a 'mid-table' team after their poor start to the season.

The former England striker's comments came after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side drew 0-0 with AZ Alkmaar in an uneventful Europa League group stage game.

It marked a tenth consecutive away match without a win for the Red Devils, who currently sit tenth in the Premier League with just nine points from their opening seven league fixtures.

Speaking on BT Sport, Owen said: "I don't think they'll be top six this season, personally.

"Top half I think is likely, but just the fact we're having this conversation is the worry, isn't it?

"This has got to be the worst Manchester United team for decades, hasn't it? Since before Sir Alex Ferguson took over.

"It's been happening for a few years. For maybe five, six, seven, eight years you've been thinking 'it can't get any worse', and it has."

Manchester United travel to Steve Bruce's Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon in their final game before the second international break of the season.