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Michael Owen has praised Newcastle striker Yoshinori Muto ahead of the Magpies' Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday.

The Japan international played well during Newcastle's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, scoring as Rafa Benitez's side surged into a shock 2-0 lead before losing following a second half collapse at Old Trafford.

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Writing for BetVictor, former England, Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Owen praised Muto and said he was looking forward to seeing more of him.

He wrote: “I was particularly impressed with Yoshinori Muto against Manchester United and am looking forward to seeing more of the Japanese striker. I appreciate it is early days, but it was a very favourable first impression.”

Owen also claimed Newcastle should have had a penalty during the United loss when they were two goals ahead. 

He added: "Had referee Anthony Taylor been looking at the ball, and not what was happening in the penalty area, then Newcastle would likely have been 3-0 up at half time at Old Trafford last time. It wasn’t meant to be, however, but I thought the Magpies played some terrific football in the first 45 minutes."

Looking ahead to the Brighton game, the 38-year-old said Newcastle may not have enough to claim victory against Chris Hughton's Seagulls.

He wrote: "United have, however, lost their first four home games this season and were disappointing against Leicester last time. They may have to settle for a point in a low scoring game against the resilient Seagulls."