Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims Michael Owen will not be fazed if Liverpool supporters turn against him this weekend.

The former Anfield hero returns to his old stomping ground for the first time since signing for their fiercest rivals, in a crunch Barclays Premier League clash on Sunday.

The 29-year-old academy product scored 158 goals for Liverpool after bursting on to the scene as a teenager - but he quit the club for Real Madrid in 2004.

He returned to England with Newcastle a year later but then did the unthinkable for many a Liverpool fan when, with his career at a crossroads last summer, he joined United on a free transfer.

The Kop historically gives returning favourites a warm welcome, but that tradition may be forgotten on this occasion.

Ferguson has compared the situation to when his former midfield star Paul Ince joined Liverpool later in his career.

"It will be interesting to see the kind of reaction he gets," said Ferguson.

"There are very few players who have played for both clubs.

"Paul Ince obviously got a bad reaction from our fans when he went to Liverpool, and Michael might get that on Sunday.

"But he is experienced - that is important. Everyone likes to be liked but I don't think it will bother him.

"His record at Liverpool stands him apart from even the likes of Paul when he was with us.

"The goals he scored for Liverpool mark him down as one of their best-ever strikers.

"That stands him in good stead in terms of the Liverpool fans - but it is difficult to say."

Owen, whose recent past has been blighted by injuries and who has lost his England place, has so far been restricted to bit-part roles for United.

He has, however, already made his mark at the club - by scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner in the derby against Manchester City five weeks ago.

With Wayne Rooney doubtful for Sunday's game because of a calf problem, he could now be given the chance to lead the line against the club that nurtured him.

Ferguson says Owen's past, and the enmity between the two clubs, was never an issue when the player became available.

He said: "It was never mentioned. I never thought about it.

"When I made my mind up over him, there was no negotiation. He was desperate to come.

"It was so simple and it was concluded in half-an-hour.

"He wanted to be back in European football at a top club and was really enthusiastic about it.

"He had great years at Liverpool but he is at Manchester United now."

The only regret Ferguson has over Owen was starting him against Wolfsburg in the Champions League on September 30 when he was not 100% fit.

Owen was forced out of that game, in front of watching England boss Fabio Capello, after just 20 minutes.

Ferguson said: "He felt his groin was tight the day before. But I was keen to play him, and that was maybe a mistake.

"You should be careful with players with groin injuries."

Rooney, who has been out with a calf problem since England's World Cup qualifier in Ukraine a fortnight ago, will be assessed tomorrow.

Ferguson feels there is a possibility the England striker - 24 tomorrow - could be fit. But there are no certainties.

"He is always desperate to play," said Ferguson.

"That is the nature of the boy - you won't stop that.

"It is important how he does in training. If he does train we will have a better idea."

Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are both poised to return after suffering knocks against Bolton last week, but Darren Fletcher is also doubtful.

United go into the game knowing victory would add considerably to the pressure growing on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

Liverpool have lost their last four games in all competitions to leave their Premier League and Champions League hopes in a precarious state.

Ferguson was the subject of a remarkable verbal attack from Benitez last season, but the Scot would not be drawn into a war of words.

"I'm not going into that at all," he told the media.

"I'm not making your headlines.

"I'm not interested in Liverpool. I'm only concerned about what we do on Sunday."