The 29-year-old has completed surprise move to Manchester United after an unhappy spell with the Magpies, and Kinnear backed Sir Alex Ferguson to get the best out of Owen.

Kinnear rarely had a fit Owen at his disposal at St James' Park and revealed the striker almost left for Goodison Park at the turn of the year.

He told Sky Sports News: "He's right up there with the best of them.

"I like to think I played with one of the best strikers in the world in Jimmy Greaves and Michael has similar attributes.

"In the last window there was a chance of him going to Everton but that fell through and now he's going to an even bigger club.

"He's a great pro, he's very dedicated, he's a really nice lad and I'm sure Alex will get the best out of him."

Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush has predicted a resurgence of form for Owen.

He told Sky Sports News: "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."