Sir Alex Ferguson believes Michael Owen will turn out to be a worthy wearer of Manchester United's iconic number seven shirt.

Owen has been handed the shirt last worn by Cristiano Ronaldo to follow a tradition that also includes David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Bryan Robson and George Best.

The decision came as a surprise to some United followers, who were opposed to Owen's arrival both because of his background as a Liverpool star and the fact they thought he was finished when he left Newcastle this summer.

However, Owen has put such criticism to one side and finished United's Far East tour on top of the scoring charts after netting a brace in their 8-2 demolition of Chinese Super League outfit Greentown Hangzhou this evening.

"The criteria for the number seven is quite clear," said Ferguson. "It is a jersey that has been worn by some high-profile players and we have that in Michael Owen.

"You have to choose someone you are confident can carry that on and his profile in the last decade has been outstanding. I am not concerned about what the supporters think - it is important to give it to someone who is confident and comfortable and he was a natural choice."