KULA LAMPUR: Michael Owen got his Manchester United career off to a flyer when he scored the winner on his debut as the Premier League champions beat Malaysian-XI 3-2.

Owen came on as a substitute for Wayne Rooney after 60 minutes with the score at 2-2 and made the most of his chance. He pounced with five minutes left, picking up the ball just inside the box and rounding the goalkeeper before planting a right foot shot into the net. It dug United out of a hole after they let a two goal lead, courtesy of Rooney and Nani, slip. Goalkeeping errors let the hosts back in the game, with Amri Yahyah capitalising both times.

Meanwhile, Manchester United rejected an Indonesian plea to reconsider their decision to cancel a match in Jakarta, saying they had a responsibility to ensure the safety of their players.

The Premier League champions were due to take on an Indonesian All-Star team on Monday but pulled out after a bomb attack on the Jakarta hotel they were due to stay in on Saturday and Sunday night.