Owen thrilled with derby goal

Owen: Derby delight

Michael Owen expressed his delight at scoring the winner for Manchester United following a dramatic derby game at Old Trafford.

Manchester City equalised three times in a pulsating encounter before Owen, a late substitute for Dimitar Berbatov, struck deep into stoppage time to seal a 4-3 success.

The striker's summer move to United attracted a lot of headlines but he hopes the decisive goal will prove his dedication to his new club.

When asked if it would confirm hero status with United fans, Owen told Sky Sports: "Yes, if there was any doubt before then maybe.

"It was always going to create noise when I joined but even if the fans didn't take to me you're never going to pass up an opportunity to play for team like this."

Mark Hughes complained after the final whistle that Owen's goal had come in the sixth minute of stoppage time when only four had been signalled.

However, Owen insists United fully deserved all three points despite a number of uncharacteristic defensive lapses.

"We dominated and the lads played well for a lot of the game," he added.

"There were individual mistakes but over the years before I was here the defence has been fantastic."