Manchester United are the latest club to keep tabs on Gary Cahill, the Bolton defender. Sir Alex Ferguson's scouts saw him score his first goal for the club during the Carling Cup win over West Ham last week. Cahill, 23, has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Juventus and AC Milan

Michael Owen has revealed the details of the conversation he had during that breakfast meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson which lead to the striker becoming a Manchester United player.

“The manager’s voice is pretty distinctive,” Owen said, “so I knew it wasn’t a wind-up. He said, ‘We are looking for a striker. I’m going to be up front, we went for Benzema and once that was a no-go we looked around for players who are going to score goals. Obviously the big question is if you are fit, but if you are and we can get plenty of games, then words to the effect that it’s a no-brainer. Anyway, there’s no point in talking on the phone, we’ll chat about it tomorrow if you are free and fancy coming round.’ I had a few butterflies before I went there. I listened more than I talked, which I thought was pretty wise. He said, ‘I know what has happened over the past few years, I know you haven’t lost anything, you are only 29, for crying out loud.’ I wasn’t sure if we were just going to chat, but then I realised, ‘Oh my God, he definitely wants to sign me!’”

Owen then recalled the conversation he had with the manager regarding wearing our number seven shirt, previously worn by George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“You know the attachment it has to the fans?” Ferguson asked Owen. The striker was undaunted. “I told him I was aware of that, but I wouldn’t feel any extra pressure, that it was a great honour, but it wouldn’t affect my performance in any way.”

Owen Hargreaves has made a positive start to his Manchester United comeback bid.

After more than 12 months on the sidelines following ground-breaking surgery on both knees to combat a tendinitis problem that has plagued the England star since before his £18m move from Bayern Munich, Hargreaves has now returned to United’s Carrington training complex.

The Calgary-born star is currently in the middle of a handover process between his US-based physio, who has guided his rehabilitation so far, and the Red Devils’ medical staff.

Once that is complete, Hargreaves should then be able to continue his recovery programme at Carrington and begin football training within a couple of weeks.

If that goes well, the 28-year-old may be fit enough to resume his career in November.

Alex Ferguson is acutely aware these are early days for Hargreaves, who could yet force his way into Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans.

However, Ferguson confirmed Hargreaves’ development is currently going according to plan.

“Owen is doing very well,” said Ferguson.

“Obviously he is delighted to be back because it has been such a long time and I am very pleased with his progress.

“We will probably get him into football training in 10 days’ time and depending on how well he does he should be back at the beginning of November.”

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he considered signing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko in the summer.

Ahead of tonight's Champions League meeting, Ferguson revealed: "Their two strikers scored 71 goals between them last season. That is an incredible total.

"They are both big, powerful lads and we did look at Dzeko.

"He is a very clever player who takes up good positions.

"Wolfsburg haven't started the season that well but they have got to grips with their game and they are getting winning results."

Manchester United host Wolfsburg in their first UEFA Champions League match at Old Trafford this season on Wednesday.

Both sides were victorious on matchday one with United defeating Besiktas 1-0 in Turkey while the Germans marked their first ever Champions League encounter with a 3-1 win at home to CSKA Moscow.

On target that day was Brazilian striker Grafite who bagged himself a hat-trick. The 30-year-old has managed to live under the radar for the majority of his career but his efforts in front of goal for Wolfsburg since signing in 2007 have seen him hit the headlines.

The Sao Paulo born frontman was one half of one of the most lethal partnerships in European football last term as he and partner in crime Edin Dzeko scored 71 goals between them as Wolfsburg raced to the Bundesliga title.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already mentioned that his defenders will have to keep a close eye on the strike pair if United are to build on their good start in Europe.

Ferguson has often changed his team's style in Europe over the last few years and even reverted to playing Wayne Rooney as a lone striker against an out-of-form Besiktas last time out.

It remains to be seen whether the Scot will do the same again against Wolfsburg who are sure to play an open and expansive game against the Red Devils.

If Ferguson decides to go with his preferred formation in Europe it will mean Dimitar Berbatov will have to make do with a place on the bench.

The Bulgarian was on target at the weekend against Stoke and the forward has history against the Germans having scored twice in eight games against them during his spell at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Team news

United look set to be without winger Park Ji-Sung after the South Korean went down with a virus earlier in the week.

Striker Michael Owen sat out of training on Tuesday with a tight groin but he should have recovered enough to feature.

One striker who should definitely start is Rooney, in what will be his 50th appearance in Europe for United.

Rafael has also returned to training after shoulder surgery but the game against Wolfsburg has come too soon for the Brazilian full-back.

Edwin van der Sar is nearing a comeback but he is still out with a hand problem while Gabriel Obertan remains absent because of a back injury.

Good news on the injury front for the Premier League champions is the fact that Owen Hargreaves is expected to return to full training in 10 days and a return to action in early November has been mooted.

Attack minded

The visitors have no new injuries to concern them but manager Armin Veh must toy with the idea of adding former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins to an already potent attack.

United are normally used to teams parking the bus when they visit Old Trafford but Veh claims he will come to attack the hosts and Martins could partner Grafite and Dzeko in a front three.

Brazilian Josue is the only doubt with the midfielder currently struggling with a knee injury but Veh remains optimistic.