Owen set to sit out opener

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Owen, whose career on Tyneside has been beset by injuries, played just three times for the Magpies last term and has failed to respond to treatment on an injury that has wrecked his pre-season programme.

Allardyce told the Daily Mail: "It doesn't look as encouraging as we first thought.

The 27-year-old now looks set to sit out United's season opener against Allardyce's former club Bolton next weekend, paving the way for new signing Alan Smith who has arrived for £6million from Manchester United.

"The tear in the muscle hasn't healed as quickly as we would like, so there's no point in making any rash decisions just to get him fit for the start of the season," Allardyce added.

"It's about getting him 100% for playing matches on a regular basis. That's why it has been more disappointing for him that he's missed pre-season games more than training.

"He's done enough training to last him a lifetime."