Michael Owen: 'Starting career at Manchester United may have extended career'

Retiring Michael Owen has conceded that his career may have lasted longer had he came through the ranks at Manchester United.

As a schoolboy, Owen turned down the chance to sign for United and instead joined Liverpool, where he became a regular in the senior side at the age of 18.

However, had he have been under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford as a youngster, Owen believes that he may not have suffered the high number of injuries that he has during his career.

"I did not have a break for years and years," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport. "That is something I would advise young players now to guard against."

When asked how picking United over Liverpool may have benefited his career, Owen replied: "If you want an honest answer, then it is probably a yes.

"I had the choice to join Manchester United when I was a kid but I chose Liverpool. Yes, I could be playing a bit longer, might have had a few more medals in a pocket but who knows? I would not swap my time at Liverpool - they were my best years."

Following spells with Real Madrid and Newcastle United, Owen did eventually link up with United in 2009. However, a spate of injuries limited his number of appearances for the Red Devils to 52.