Owen expects fiery reception on Anfield return
On Sunday Michael Owen and his Manchester United team mates make the short journey to Anfield to face bitter rivals Liverpool. As a former Liverpool player Owen is under no illusions about the reception he will receive on his return to Merseyside and the tricky striker is expecting the boo boys to be out in full force.
“I’m human. I’d prefer people to sit down and recognise what you did for them and for the team in years gone past but I’m pretty realistic as well and now that I’m playing for their arch rivals… I’m not holding my breath, put it that way.” Explained the former Real Madrid and Newcastle striker.
Owen started his career at Anfield and made his debut as a 17-year-old after learning his trade in the club’s academy. In 216 league appearances he scored an impressive 118 goals, more than a goal every other game, and was a firm fans favourite. The Liverpool faithful would have forgiven Owen anything – except a move to Manchester United.
To add some extra spice to an encounter that is already one of the most hotly contested in world football - Liverpool need to win. Make no mistake, should United take all three points back to Old Trafford with them Liverpool’s title dreams will be all but over. For a club like Liverpool to be out of the running as early as 10 games into the season is virtually unthinkable, hence their need for the three points.
Will Owen start against his former employers? There is a distinct possibility he may do if Wayne Rooney is not passed fit after his calf strain. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may instead chose to use him as an impact substitute, we’ll have to wait and see, but I’m sure he’ll be given a run out by the Scottish tactician. Owen is after all a former Liverpool legend and players often have a habit of scoring against their former clubs. Owen is also a player who is capable of popping up with a goal at a big moment and in big matches.
His goal scoring history is peppered with goals in huge games. From his legendary goal against Argentina in the World Cup, a strike in Spanish mega-fixture ‘El Classico’ and right up to his last-gasp winner in the Manchester derby he has consistently found the net on the massive occasions. I think it is safe to say Owen will see some time on the pitch on Sunday, providing he isn’t injured on midweek Champions league duty, and perhaps he might even be worth a cheeky online football bet to bag a goal.
The man himself doesn’t seem to have a problem with a lack of action at Old Trafford, indeed he is featuring in most of their games. “I think if I was 19 or 20, playing really well and scoring loads of goals and being constantly on the bench, then I’d definitely have a different outlook than now, when I’ve played a long time,” He added.
“I’ve not been left out of the squad since I’ve been there and it’s great. I feel part of the team, part of the squad.
“The manager’s said to me that I’ll play my fair share of games. In any case,’ he points out, ‘if you’d said to me in the summer, ‘You’re going to go to Manchester United and be the fourth-choice striker and start ten games and come off the bench ten times, and that’s your lot’, then I would have snapped your hand off.”
Owen is ranked fourth in England’s all time top goalscorers and is still eager of World Cup 2010 action. If we’re being honest the situation doesn’t look too great right now. With just friendly ties in front of us before the tournament in South Africa his chances of a recall remain limited but regular action for United and a goal against Liverpool could only help matters.
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