Michael Owen could prove to be one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most astute signings - if he can be wrapped in cotton wool and used sparingly.

Playing one in two games would be more than adequate for a player who is now prone to an injury lay-off every time he steps out of bed in the morning.

But when he does play, Owen scores goals - and has done so consistently throughout his career - 118 in 216 games for Liverpool, 13 in 35 for Real Madrid, 26 in 71 for Newcastle, and 40 in 89 for England.

So use him as they did with Henrik Larsson and Manchester United will get a more than adequate return on their £20,000 a week, plus pay-per-play and goals-related bonuses, of course.

Let's face it, he stands a good chance of playing as many games as Carlos Tevez did - and scoring a lot more goals to boot.

It could be a financial piece of wizardry by Sir Alex as nouveau riche neighbours Manchester City continue to throw money at everything that dons a pair of football boots in the hope that they can assemble a squad capable of giving them success.

Anyway, folks, it promises to be a riveting season for one and all and particularly in the top two leagues, with so many former giants competing in the Championship now, and City and one or two others threatening to challenge the Big Four in the Premier League.

Somehow, though, I fear that signing a bunch of SPL players will not be enough to give new boys Burnley a hope in hell of avoiding an immediate return to the Coca Cola.

A couple of experienced players with some Premier League status on their CV would give them half a chance - but even then it would be a slim one.

And if anyone is fool enough to sign Samuel Eto'o, they will be waiting a long time for a full return on that sort of money - even if he does score goals aplenty!