Derby winner Michael Owen was the toast of the United dressing room after his last-gasp strike overcame Manchester City’s resistance at Old Trafford.

The arch poacher, on as a substitute, popped up in injury-time to swing a seven-goal thriller United’s way with a clinical finish; the type which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson's summer swoop.

“I always felt the game was going to be played in their penalty box, and there’s no-one better at taking these kind of chances,” Sir Alex told MUTV. "His positional play and finish were absolutely magnificent - world class.

“He was only on for 17 minutes. I just felt with that long to go, with the game being played in their penalty box, there’s no-one better than Michael Owen.”

Patrice Evra echoed his manager’s sentiments, and took Owen’s goal as further proof of United’s squad depth.

“That's why United bought him,” said the Frenchman. “He's the kind of player who can score winners, and he did it very well today. This is United. It's not about 11 players, it's about the squad. When players come in, they have the right attitude.”