Michael Owen shocked many by joining Manchester United last summer on a 2 year deal, the transfer was received with hostility at both Old Trafford and Anfield. At the same time many saw it as a brilliant move by Sir Alex, signing one of the best natural finishers in the world for free, but he also came with the tag of being ‘injury prone’ so it was considered a big risk too.
Owen, much to the annoyance of many united fans, was handed the legendary No. 7 jersey previously worn by the likes of Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo. Owen had a pretty good pre-season tour with United that year, scoring 4 goals, including the winner on his debut, showing Owen’s finishing was as good as ever. He had lost some of his electric pace that was one of his biggest assets but even then Owen was a threat to be considered in the penalty box. Owen made his competitive debut as a sub against Birmingham City and went on to score his first competitive goal in the 5-0 triumph over Wigan.
Owen’s first goal at home, can be considered the most important goal scored at Old Trafford last season and also produced a memorable moment that every United fan will remember netting the winner in the Manchester derby in the 6th minute of extra time with an incisive finish past a helpless Shay Given into net. The goal shocked City and brought Old Trafford to its feet. Owen went on to score 2 more league goals that season being used sparsely, he also scored a hat trick against Wolfsburg in the Champions League and scored in United’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final, where he also unfortunately got injured and was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Owen played 31 games last season for United in all competitions, but he started in only 12 of those games, and he scored 9 goals. The tally is pretty good considering that Owen was rarely on the pitch long enough to make an impact thus Owen’s contribution should not be considered as bad or very less. If he had been given more game time, Owen would have scored a lot more goals. He has shown that once inside the penalty box he is very dangerous, though he may lack the pace he used to have, but he makes up for it with great timing of his runs and brilliant anticipation.
Regardless, Owen’s first season at Old Trafford has been a mixed bag to be honest, with one more year left on his contract Owen has a lot to do if he wants to be playing in the red of Manchester United next season. The emergence of Javier Hernandez, and also the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Macheda means Owen faces a lot of competition for playing times but at the same time Owen has to have a good season this year if he wants a new contract.
One of the most impressive characteristics Owen showed last season was his professionalism, he never complained about the lack of playing time and did his best whenever he was given a chance. Owen might not be the best striker around any more but his experience and natural ability mean he is a striker that opponents cannot afford to ignore.
Whether this is his last season at Old Trafford or not, Owen has carved a place in United’s history with his goal against City. Owen still has a chance to tell Sir Alex that his story isn’t over but now he is fit if he can remain so and conjure up more moments like he did against City and Villa he may get a chance to add another chapter or two to his book.
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Let’s hope so. Classic goal against City but really he’s just stunting the development of new talents like Welbeck, Macheda and now Hernandez.
Nice goal against the Airtricity League XI though.
Owen is still a natural goalscorer and can have a big say on how we do this season. He will also be important in helping Hernandez and Macheda develope this season. They are two really bright prospects, but have different qualities. Owen has experience so he will be important both on and off the field. We have 5 strikers for next season and Owen will find it tough. Berbatov will be given a bigger role and has to produce. Rooney is always the main man. Hernandez has suprised people and looks a great prospect. He needs time, as does Macheda, and that is the role Owen plays. Bebe is the new signing but he is a wide midfielder I believe. He is going to compete with Valencia, Nani, Giggs, Park and Obertan in the future. Giggs is in his 30’s so thats why Fergie probably didn’t want to miss out on the kid. Park might also be given more chances in central midfield this season. He did a great man marking job on Pirlo last season and could so a similar role this season.
Give the guy a break. Why are there so many people gunning against the lad. If he stays and he’s happy to play now and again then so be it. He’s still good for a goal in the premiership. I personally dont rate Welbeck or Macheda. One is clueless and the other is living on an injury time winner against Villa .
I believe if he had not got injured during the Villa game would have probably got at least 6 more goals.He would have been the very key to unlock that sticky Blackburn defence at Ewood on that miserable of all recent days.
As the article conveys as does Fredster to give us the pleasure of the goal against City…..Priceless!
I agree with Fredster and Tom also he with his professionalism will help the younger players at the club and there are hundreds of strikers now. lol.Also he appears to have had an effect on Wayne and his movement in the box and scoring with his head.
It will likely be his final fling none the less.
I think like most United supporters he gets the thumbs up.If only we could witness him banging one past Reina this season home or away would be heaven.
@Terry “Give the guy a break” You dont think this sentiment should be offered to Danny.
We might all be surprised at his progress at Sunderland and getting big game time.
Also working closely with a proven Goal scorer in Darren Bent.
Tom Cleverly springs to mind.
He did well given his chances and no one can argue he’s been all class since he’s arrived. It’s really as simple as him staying healthy and playing well if he’s to stay on. He’s obviously not in a position of a younster who we’re waiting on to develop; so he has to prove he can do what he’s done before. But if he does…who can complain?
Also, for my tendency of schadenfreude, I’d love to see him finally win the Premiership wearing the United shirt in the face of Liverpool supporters (when we finally overtake their record as well). That alone is worth his acquisition! Hell, maybe he and Rooney can drive around Liverpool and show it off!
Owen playing regularly would see him score much more than he does when he plays once a month?
tht’s why i mentioned that 9 goals in only 12 starts is pretty good, unfotunately Owen never got a long run of starts in the team..
I was one of those overjoyed at his acquisition. No doubt Owen is a natural finisher and a goal poacher. I was actually hoping United would sign him, which happened. The injury prone thingy is a risk you have to take, but I think with the right work from the physios and all, he can stay fit for the whole season. My only qualms are that he was brought on very sparingly and even then wasn’t given enough time to make an impact. Not to mention he came on a couple of times last season with Diouf, so he didn’t exactly have an ideal strike partner to work with who could set him up for a goal, or whom Owen could set up (I recall he did once, but Diouf missed). He’s still an exciting player to watch and his movement around the box is second to none. He was just dropping quite deep against Chelsea and all, so I hope he sticks to striking and doesn’t make the same mistake Rooney made when Ronaldo was around. Sir Alex must find a way to give Owen some limelight as well, as a chance to prove himself. The final 18-20 minutes aren’t enough to make an impact. Hope to see more of him this season, and hope he’s still at United next season, and injury-free :).
Yes, Cleverley will be a good player but i just don’t see Welbeck making the grade at Utd . The same goes for Diouf. Many young guns show promise at Old Trafford but how many have went on to have great careers since the “you wont win anything with kids” era ? Only my opinion.
Say, you got a nice blog.Thanks Again. Keep writing.