The 27-year-old had hoped to return to the squad for Sunday's Premiership clash with Chelsea after 10 months on the sidelines, but United say he will not play.Roeder Furious At Suggestions Owen Future Is Political
The 27-year-old had hoped to return to the squad for Sunday's Premiership clash with Chelsea after 10 months on the sidelines, but United say he will not play.Roeder: "I would say they are barking up the wrong tree. It is just a question of getting Michael fully fit, and until he is fully fit, he will not play.
"When he is fit, I do not see why he should not play. But let's get him there first - not 99% fit, and hopefully that will happen before the last game of the season.
"When you have been out as long as Michael has your own personal targets are sometimes too optimistic.
"He set himself a goal and all he has done is pulled up a little bit short of that.
"There has not been a setback. Just having Michael around the training sessions has given all the players a lift and reminded everyone, including myself, what a quality goalscorer he is."
England boss Steve McClaren was at the club's training ground on Friday morning, although Owen was not on the training pitch.