Manchester United striker Michael Owen has all but lost hopes of playing in the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season. The 30-year-old pulled up during United's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the League Cup final on Sunday. He scored the equalizer as the Red Devils went on to win the title for the second successive season. "It is more serious than we thought. I think the heavy pitch at Wembley played some part, but it's also bad luck," United manager Alex Ferguson said. Owen has scored nine goals in 31 appearances for United since joining last summer after his contract with Newcastle United expired. He was aiming to break into England's squad ahead of the World Cup but the injury is almost certain to shatter his hopes.