Manchester United (6/4 with totesport to win the Premier League title) will be without Michael Owen for the rest of the season, after the striker was told he needs an operation on a hamstring injury.

The former Real Madrid star pulled up during the first-half of Sunday’s Carling Cup final, having scored the equaliser against Aston Villa, and had to be replaced by Wayne Rooney.

Scans revealed Owen will need surgery to cure the problem and the injury looks set to end his hopes of featuring for England (11/2 to win the 2010 World Cup) in South Africa this summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed: “It is a terrible blow for the lad. It is more serious than we thought. I think the heavy pitch at Wembley played some part, but it’s also bad luck.”

Despite not being a regular starter for United, the 30-year-old has scored nine goals in all competitions this season.

Make sure you keep a regular check on the totesport.com football betting markets for the remainder of the season.