It was thought Owen would commit his time to his wife’s horse breeding operation and his own interest in the racing game.

However, it seems that having initially distanced himself from any idea of taking up management, Owen is now having second thoughts.

“Until three or four years ago I was still thinking about whether I should stay in the game, through management or media,” Owen told www.thefa.com.

“At that point I would probably have said no chance. Now it is almost a case of ’why not’.

“We will have to see whether I will have a shot at it.”

Owen freely admits he looks at the game differently now and is benefiting from working with Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

“When he says something I think what is he trying to do with that. I look at how he motivates his players. The management side of it is definitely starting to intrigue me.”

Owen certainly counts playing for Ferguson as “ticking a box” in his career, just as winning a Barclays Premier League or Champions League-winners medal would be.

“To have not played under one of the most successful managers of our time would have left a little gap,” said Owen.

“If I do end up managing I don’t have to look any further than what Sir Alex’s team-talks are like.”