United: We're not interested in Owen

Last updated at 08:01 24 June 2005

Manchester United have no plans to make a move for Real Madrid striker Michael Owen, according to assistant coach Carlos Queiroz.

The 25-year-old England forward has been linked with a return to the Premiership after failing to command a regular first-team place with the Spanish giants last season.

United's official website even conducted a poll to see whether former Liverpool star Owen would be welcome at Old Trafford, with almost two thirds of those responding saying yes.

Just under 2,500 fans voted, with www.manutd.com declaring "63 per cent of readers feel the England striker is just the man to give United the cutting edge in front of goal that was so conspicuously lacking last season".

However, Queiroz has poured cold water on speculation that Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing a transfer swoop for Owen.

When asked by Radio Marca in Spain whether United were interested in Real keeper Iker Casillas or Owen, Queiroz replied: "I admire Casillas but he is not in the plans of Manchester United. Owen does not interest us either."

Figo snub

Former Real boss Queiroz was more complimentary about Luis Figo, who is set to leave Madrid this summer, but insists no contact has been made with the former world player of the year.

"Figo is a fantastic player, who has the quality and professional attitude to still play in any team," said Queiroz. "But there has been no negotiations."

Queiroz also reassured United fans that Real have made no approach regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, whose representative has confirmed that the Portugal winger is prepared to wait for a revised contract.

Ronaldo is two years into a five-year deal with the Red Devils but having moved to the club as an unknown 18-year-old in August 2003, he now feels he deserves parity with the other top earners at the club.

"He still has three years to go on his contract so we will see what happens," Luis Correia, business partner of Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, told PA International.

"He will travel to Portugal with his team later this month so maybe a deal will be sorted out then.

"Of course, he is a top player and will attract interest from other clubs, but he is just concentrating on his football at the moment."