Manchester United [ Images ] striker Michael Owen [ Images ] will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, manager Alex Ferguson [ Images ] said on Friday.

Owen pulled up during Sunday's League Cup final against Aston Villa [ Images ], having scored United's equaliser in the 2-1 win.

"It's a terrible blow for the lad," said. "It's more serious than we thought."

Owen has had a bad time with injuries over the last few years and this injury could also land a heavy blow to his career in the England [ Images ] team.

Fergsuon also confirmed that Owen, who joined on a free transfer from Newcastle United last year, will have surgery on Monday.

United, who are chasing the Premier League title and the Champions League [ Images ], now have just Wayne Rooney [ Images ] and Dimitar Berbatov [ Images ] as recognized strikers as the season reaches its climax.