Manchester United's Michael Owen has brushed aside criticism from Sam Allardyce and Dave Whelan, stating only Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion counts.

Rovers boss Allardyce questioned Owen's ability to play 36-games plus this season while Whelan felt that perhaps the 29-year-old's desire and hunger had faded over time.

However, the former Newcastle striker, who has impressed for The Red Devils in pre-season, believes Ferguson's desire to bring him to Old Trafford supersedes any negativity aimed his way.

Owen goes as far as saying the pair might even feel 'embarrassed' by their remarks, although he is focusing his effort on impressing the United boss, not silencing the doubters.

"If that was how they were perceiving me, fine, because the greatest accolade I could have is that Sir Alex Ferguson didn't think about that," he FourFourTwo magazine.

"I can quietly sit here and look around where I am now - and if anyone else wants to look at what they've said, then they might feel embarrassed. I don't feel I have to impress these people.

"I only need to prove things to people who believe in me. I want to show Sir Alex was right to believe in me."