New United signing Michael Owen was on target for the second consecutive match for the Red Devils as they easily swept away a Malaysia XI side 2-0 in Kuala Lumpur.

It was a substantially improved performance to the rather unconvincing 3-2 win against the same opposition at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on July 19 2009. This time around, the English champions exerted more pressure in the middle of the park, their passing game and rhythm was completely beyond their hosts' reach, and Malaysia XI were lucky not to concede another couple of goals.

Italian wonder youth, Federico Macheda, who has now gone up the pecking order as  United's fourth-choice striker following the summer departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, was first to make his mark after 11 minutes. The Italian calmly stroked the ball into the corner after Ryan Giggs had supplied a low cross.

Not couple of minutes later, Owen again was at the perfect spot in the box to prowl on some shambolic defending from Malaysia XI who again spilled a Zoran Tosic cross. Owen was there, the opportunity was ripe, bang in, 2-0.

Delighted by the win, the performance and the 100 per cent effectiveness of Owen, Alex Ferguson has said he was content with the team's drive and effort. Regarding the looming start of the season in England, he said that Manchester City would pose little threat to United's crown, regardless of the money spent. Ferguson believes that the main threat will come from the usual suspects – L4 and Stamford Bridge.

"It won't be easy for them to win anything, even with the players they have bought".

"I can't look at them as our main competitors. Liverpool and Chelsea are our main competitors." he said, quoted by the BBC.