When Michael Owen took it to Twitter, this evening, to confirm he had trained and it felt good, I couldn’t help myself and wondered how long would it last. Unfortunately, nobody could answer that but there was lots of negativity surrounding the news.
It’s doubtful we will ever witness a day when people won’t sigh once Michael Owen is mentioned. He signed for United on a free in 2009, after Ronaldo left and controversially got the number 7 shirt. He already had a past full of injuries so it felt like a pointless signing at the time and many supporters will feel the same way about it now, despite seeing him score that winner against City.
It surprised the majority last summer when United offered him a new contract. However with Owen being a member of our current squad, I think it would be foolish not to make most of it, especially being in the Europa League and challenging to retain the Premier League title.
In two legs against Ajax in the Europa League, Ferguson set out two different combinations up front – both containing Hernandez. Rooney featured in the first but due to a chest infection, Berbatov started the second.
Retaining the title is priority but we would all like to win the Europa League since it’s the only honour Ferguson hasn’t won in his 25 years at the club. Playing Michael Owen in the Europa would mean there would be less of a risk on Rooney, Welbeck etc getting injured and ruling them out of the run-in which would increase City’s chances of winning the league.
Solution
When Owen reaches adequate fitness, play him in all the Europa League fixtures alongside whoever isn’t getting league games – preferably Berbatov. He is capable of scoring goals and we’re paying his wages. At least it’s one way he could contribute, instead of sitting at home and arguing publicly with Piers Morgan.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Owen on a pay-as-you-play deal with us? How would that work if he’s injured? Is there a minimum wage for him, or have I gotten his contract all wrong? Excellent article, as always!
He was on a pay-as-you-play contract when he first signed. However, it wasn’t confirmed when he extended his stay.
im a big fan of michael owen being a utd fan, but the point made before was good give him game time in the europa league, hes still a quality striker but unfortunetly . hes well behind in the pecking order, its clear fergie likes owen
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Owen on a pay-as-you-play deal with us? How would that work if he’s injured? Is there a minimum wage for him, or have I gotten his contract all wrong? Excellent article, as always!
He was on a pay-as-you-play contract when he first signed. However, it wasn’t confirmed when he extended his stay.
im a big fan of michael owen being a utd fan, but the point made before was good give him game time in the europa league, hes still a quality striker but unfortunetly . hes well behind in the pecking order, its clear fergie likes owen
I don’t think he would play anyway, for the fact that he has 4 strikers ahead of him, all of which need game time. He will probably chop and change between Rooney, Welbz, Chico and Berba, but it will be a surprise if we see Owen in a red shirt again to be honest.
Thought the author of this made some great points tbh. Europa League would suit Owen because, as you said, he’s 5th choice striker atm.
That’s my point, as much as I love Owen I don’t think he would get a game if the other 4 ahead of him are fit, I don’t think he’s good enough to score against teams like Bilbao. Fergie would sooner play Berba and Chico in the Europa if he goes for Rooney and Welbz in the league, he has to prioritise keeping them fit ahead of Owen. Good article nevertheless!
I don’t think he would play anyway, for the fact that he has 4 strikers ahead of him, all of which need game time. He will probably chop and change between Rooney, Welbz, Chico and Berba, but it will be a surprise if we see Owen in a red shirt again to be honest.
Thought the author of this made some great points tbh. Europa League would suit Owen because, as you said, he’s 5th choice striker atm.
That’s my point, as much as I love Owen I don’t think he would get a game if the other 4 ahead of him are fit, I don’t think he’s good enough to score against teams like Bilbao. Fergie would sooner play Berba and Chico in the Europa if he goes for Rooney and Welbz in the league, he has to prioritise keeping them fit ahead of Owen. Good article nevertheless!