The England international finally joined the club from Bayern Munich earlier this summer, bringing to an end United's lengthy pursuit of the player.

Ahead of Sunday's Community Shield against Chelsea, Ferguson is tipping Hargreaves to have a similar impact at Old Trafford as previous United greats.

"Some players are worth waiting for - and Owen is one," said Ferguson. "He was England's best player at the last World Cup. He brings a quick energy to the centre of midfield and the European experience he has had with Bayern Munich is priceless.

"I won't saddle him with comparisons to Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Eric Cantona because each player is different. But what I can say is that like those eminent predecessors, he will bring stature to his position and give me any number of options in terms of the role he will play."

United face Doncaster and Peterborough on Friday and Saturday respectively, and Ferguson said that Hargreaves would be involved in at least one of the games after shaking off a knee injury.