Apparently Man U are in talks with Owen/Owen's agents about a move to Old Trafford. I don't think he will be a particularly bad signing for Man U and he will be a free transfer so there is no real financial risk and I can't see his wages being astronomical either. He is however not going to pull up any trees IMO and will be more of an impact player in the mould of Solskjaer than a 1st team regular. It's also unlikely at this stage of Owen's career that he is going to massively improve his fitness record so he will probably miss a fair number of games anyway.

This hasn't been a good transfer period for Man U with their best player leaving and their alleged targets moving to, or wanting to move to, different clubs. Owen's signing will look a little desperate in light of what has happened previously but I think we need to wait to see who else comes in before this particularly transfer is properly judged. If I was a Man U fan I wouldn't be disappointed to see Owen come in but I would be very disappointed (particularly after losing Ronaldo) if he was the last signing of the summer.

This has been all over the internet with bookies making Man Utd favourite to sign him with Everton 2nd favourites. It's a long step down from trying to sign Villa and Benzema to finally sign Owen. It may not be a big risk financially but it is a big risk on the playing field.

Owen to Man United does make some kind of sense, if any to serve as back up to the likes of Berbatov and Rooney. Man U have lost a hatful of goals with the likes of Ronaldo and Tevez moving on, they had to look to the bench a lot last season. I get the feeling Fergie's bringing Owen in the strengthen that area.

Wellbeck and Macheda have great potential, but Owen is proven in the Prem. It's a massive risk with his recent injury and fitness problems, but Fergie likes a risk and if this comes off then it would be the signing of the summer.

I still think Fergie's got one more big signing lined up though.

...Owen is proven in the Prem. It's a massive risk with his recent injury and fitness problems,

...and his motivation. Likes the GGs a bit too much.

Amazed to be reminded he's only 29!!

A fit Michael Owen on a free transfer could be a revelation... Or he could end up spending a season on the treatment table.

I hope he stays fit.

Devastated.

Devastated.

Why? A useful signing for the bench, certainly a better poacher than any striker Man Utd currently have.

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Devastated.

Sick as a parrot.

What would his role be at Man U ? Bringing on the Oranges at half time ?

Apparently Man U are in talks with Owen/Owen's agents about a move to Old Trafford. I don't think he will be a particularly bad signing for Man U and he will be a free transfer so there is no real financial risk and I can't see his wages being astronomical either. He is however not going to pull up any trees IMO and will be more of an impact player in the mould of Solskjaer than a 1st team regular. It's also unlikely at this stage of Owen's career that he is going to massively improve his fitness record so he will probably miss a fair number of games anyway.

This hasn't been a good transfer period for Man U with their best player leaving and their alleged targets moving to, or wanting to move to, different clubs. Owen's signing will look a little desperate in light of what has happened previously but I think we need to wait to see who else comes in before this particularly transfer is properly judged. If I was a Man U fan I wouldn't be disappointed to see Owen come in but I would be very disappointed (particularly after losing Ronaldo) if he was the last signing of the summer.

owen signing for man u? that should go down well in the city of self pity..well the red half anyway :hihi:

owen signing for man u? that should go down well in the city of self pity..well the red half anyway :hihi:
:hihi:What a cracker.... Not :roll:

If you must know, some fans are bothered (slightly)and some don't give a monkey's. Truth be told, many Liverpool fans didn't even want Owen to return to Anfield (when it was rumoured he was doing so), so why would they be bothered about him going to Utd? Everyone knows what he's like anyway, it's not such a big surprise.

Me personally, I reckon Owen is a good signing for Utd. Will probably be used more as an impact player to start with but with a run of good performances, he could possibly replace Berbatov. Either way, either one of Owen or Berbs has to be considered a very good player to have on the bench.

What would his role be at Man U ? Bringing on the Oranges at half time ?
A fully fit Michael Owen, playing with confidence and in good form, is more than capable of making Berbatov the most expensive bench warmer in history. Given the chance and obviously barring injury, he will certainly score more goals than Berbs. That's the question though ain't it, can Utd keep him fit?

are they mad? he is injury prone and on the scrapheap, his days at playing football are over.

are they mad? he is injury prone and on the scrapheap, his days at playing football are over.
So here we have two opinions; Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion and Sexybeast's opinion. :huh:

Considering that Owen has a record that states he scores aprox 1 goal every 2 games, even when hampered by persistant injuries, added to the fact that he cost Utd absolutely nothing.......... :suspect:

Who is mad, you or Mr Ferguson?

I think that's a good bit of business for manu.

That's what United and Fergie do, though. Take risks on players and then in a few years time everyone will be saying "ooh.....if only we had known...."

we will see how many games he plays shall we, michael owen had to put his own cv out cos no clubs had come forward it is only now they have got him 4 nothing that is what he is worth nothing

I hope he looks more interested in playing at Old Trafford than he did in his last few games in Geordieland. He looked like he just did not want to be there. The final weeks there he should have been thoroughly embarrassed to pick his wages up. I think his heart lies in horse racing now, not football

That's what United and Fergie do, though. Take risks on players and then in a few years time everyone will be saying "ooh.....if only we had known...."

Fergie's gambles don't always pay off though - Jordi Cruyff, Veron, Poborsky and even Nani and Berbatov up to now, although I expect Berbatov to come good.

I don't even see this move as a gamble by Man U anyway as Owen is free, seemingly unlikely to cause any dressing room unrest and has only been signed on a 2-year deal.

If Owen does avoid major injury/a string of consecutive injuries, then I think he will do fairly well. I don't think he is the player he once was though and even fully fit he isn't now in the bracket of 'world-class striker' - he's no Villa, Etoo or Torres.

What was it last season, 8 goals from 28 appearances (1894 minutes on the pitch = 21 full matches) playing for a duff team.
Makes you wonder how many goals that would have been if he had Rooney or Berbatov and Carrick supplying the ammunition. I think you could safely add a couple more goals to that total. That would be a goal every other game and thats a good return for any striker.

What was it last season, 8 goals from 28 appearances (1894 minutes on the pitch = 21 full matches) playing for a duff team.
Makes you wonder how many goals that would have been if he had Rooney or Berbatov and Carrick supplying the ammunition. I think you could safely add a couple more goals to that total. That would be a goal every other game and thats a good return for any striker.

It's not definite that a move to a better team will improve the strike rate of a forward. Berbatov's strike rate last year for Man U was worse than what it was at Tottenham and the reason was partly due to him not being a constant starter/getting a continual run of games. The same problem is likely to affect Owen as I can't see him going the whole season without injury and if he does I can't him not being rested fairly often.

Man U need to replace Ronaldo's goals (averaging about 35 per season for the last 2 years) and for me Owen is only a partial answer to that problem as I can't see him providing that amount of goals. Either Rooney has to step up and provide more goals, the midfield do or Man U need to sign another quality forward. They could still win the league with this team, especially as their rivals seem to be having similar problems in completing major transfer deals (I don't see Man City as a threat to Man U this year), but I think they will find it a lot tougher in the Champions League.

It's not definite that a move to a better team will improve the strike rate of a forward. Berbatov's strike rate last year for Man U was worse than what it was at Tottenham and the reason was partly due to him not being a constant starter/getting a continual run of games. The same problem is likely to affect Owen as I can't see him going the whole season without injury and if he does I can't him not being rested fairly often.

Man U need to replace Ronaldo's goals (averaging about 35 per season for the last 2 years) and for me Owen is only a partial answer to that problem as I can't see him providing that amount of goals. Either Rooney has to step up and provide more goals, the midfield do or Man U need to sign another quality forward. They could still win the league with this team, especially as their rivals seem to be having similar problems in completing major transfer deals (I don't see Man City as a threat to Man U this year), but I think they will find it a lot tougher in the Champions League.

Regarding Berbatovs drop in goals scored, I don't think he played the same role at Man U as he did at Tottenham and Owen has no chance of making up any where near Ronaldo's goals but I still think his strike rate will be far better than it was at Newcastle.
I wish I could get an evens bet on it.

i agree with you daftlad im suprised newcastle even paid him he was just a waste of spaqce for them the last few matches

think he'l do well there, although i wouldent like to be him when he goes back to anfield, i think the first meeting is in october, should be fun!!

he may be injured then don't forget he only plays once in every 3 weeks

he may be injured then don't forget he only plays once in every 3 weeks

Could well be, imagine if he scored the winning goal, i think there would be riots, lol

he may be injured then don't forget he only plays once in every 3 weeks



Then they could sing that football song they used to sing to Duncan Ferguson


In for a week
Out for a month
In for a week
Out for a month
In for a week
Out for a month
Owen is a tampon

If he stays fit and plays regular he will get man utd 25+ goals! The service he'll get will be brilliant, unlike at newcastle where it was non-existant!!! It's true what they say, football fans are the most fickle sports fans in the world, and some cases, most ignorant!

are they mad? he is injury prone and on the scrapheap, his days at playing football are over.

They said similar things about Henrik Larsson and Laurent Blanc when Ferguson signed them for Man U.....

They said similar things about Henrik Larsson and Laurent Blanc when Ferguson signed them for Man U.....

And neither were very good IMO. Blanc was painfully slow, and whilst a lot of people said Larsson did well, I think he lack of control was shameful.

Then again, Tevez was no different.

The thing that worries me about Owen is that with him, you are almost playing with 10 men, as he offers nothing else than sticking a leg out for a chance on goal.

The thing that worries me about Owen is that with him, you are almost playing with 10 men, as he offers nothing else than sticking a leg out for a chance on goal.

And people wonder why they say football fans are thick (see above!) :rolleyes:

The thing that worries me about Owen is that with him, you are almost playing with 10 men, as he offers nothing else than sticking a leg out for a chance on goal.

You're way off here. Besides, I doubt Owen has been signed to lead the line. I see him more as an impact sub, or someone to work in tandem with Rooney.

And people wonder why they say football fans are thick (see above!) :rolleyes:

Why am I thick because I disagree with you -Ruud Van Nistelrooy was a goal machine, but wasnt a good enough all round player for United, particularly when he lost his pace.
At United, a player needs to do more than simply poach. United have never been a team where its one players job to just score and nothing else.
Owen doesn't bring enough to the table, although my views are slightly clouded by the fact he is a dirty Scouser.

Devastated.

See I have sympathy with that view. I would've been well p'd off if Owen had come back to Liverpool. If the Mancs are planning on using him a couple of times a year as an impact sub against Stoke, and leaving him at home when the rest of the team fly out to somewhere in Europe on the following Tuesday, then maybe he can "do a job". But that's about it. His main asset was his pace. That's gone with the hamstrings.

...Ruud Van Nistelrooy was a goal machine, but wasnt a good enough all round player for United, particularly when he lost his pace.
At United, a player needs to do more than simply poach. United have never been a team where its one players job to just score and nothing else.
Owen doesn't bring enough to the table...
I agree with that too. He needs the team built around him.

...although my views are slightly clouded by the fact he is a dirty Scouser
He's from Chester BTW. ;)

If they get someone of calibre to replace Ronaldo and Tevez then the Owen signing isn't a gamble. However none of the top 4 have exactly set the world alight with exciting signings so far this window.

Regarding Berbatovs drop in goals scored, I don't think he played the same role at Man U as he did at Tottenham and Owen has no chance of making up any where near Ronaldo's goals but I still think his strike rate will be far better than it was at Newcastle.
I wish I could get an evens bet on it.

Berbatov's role wasn't different enough to warrant the poor strike rate he achieved at Old Trafford as he was still employed 'up front' rather than out wide or as an attacking midfielder.

I think Owen's strike rate will improve too but don't think there are any guarantees about whether this will be 30 goals in 50 games or 12 in 20. Time will tell I guess.

let the bloke stick to horse racing he hardly found the net for newcastle see what happens at man united don't hold your breath

................................

At United, a player needs to do more than simply poach. United have never been a team where its one players job to just score and nothing else.
.

Solskjaer? Andy Cole?

Has it been reported how much is due to earn?

Solskjaer? Andy Cole?

Solksjaer - its why he was on the bench most of the time.

Andy Cole - give you that, although his partnership with Yorke meant all bases were covered.

Owen is too 1 dimensional for United. He has lost his main asset, his pace.

Has it been reported how much is due to earn?

I read the other day that he was on £50,000 a week. I think that is about fair as Owen's injury proneness is a big minus for him in terms of negotiating a salary.

If you look at it from Man U's point of view they are effectively spending 5 million over 2 years which for a team like them is not a lot of money. They should have plenty of cash from Ronaldo's sale left to burn and in my view should be looking to bring in real proven quality. I like Valencia and think he will be a good player for Man United and I think Owen will do a decent job. The guy Obertan that they are after from Bordeaux couldn't actually break in to their side last year so although I have never seen him it's a fair bet that he is a rough diamond. Still early days but if I were a Man U fan I would definitely be hoping for more than these 2 or 3 players to come in during the window.

Solksjaer scored well over 100 goals mostly from the bench. I think most United fans would be more than happy if Owen could get 15-20/season mostly from the bench like the baby-faced assasin used to do. United aren't losing much by signing him, they still have a big war chest.

we will see how long he stays fit for and how many goals he scores a waste of space if you ask me don't know how he has got cheek to pick his wages up

we will see how long he stays fit for and how many goals he scores a waste of space if you ask me don't know how he has got cheek to pick his wages up

I don't think he is that type of player, I think he will genuinely put the effort in and do his best for the club.

Owen wants to get back in the England team too so that is more than enough inspiration on it's own for him to give his all. I am not convinced he will do enough to force his way back into Capello's squad but the plus point for him is that our strikeforce is fairly weak (at least compared to the defence and midfield). Rooney's obviously going if he is fit, I would take Crouch because he is quite good and gives you a different option but after those 2, it's up for grabs really. Walcott probably goes as a midfielder so that leaves 2 or maybe even 3 more striking places.....Bent, Agbonlahor & Defoe? Owen must personally be fancying his chances as although they are are good strikers none are world class.

how can he put the effort in if hes not fit? her will never get back in the england squad not good enough and injury prone.

Owen should be sponsored by hot waterbottles because the only thing hel be doing is keeping the bench warm at man utd nxt year.

Owen should be sponsored by hot waterbottles because the only thing hel be doing is keeping the bench warm at man utd nxt year.
:huh: I didn't realise hot water bottles were even used to warm the benches at football matches. Must have missed that one :suspect:

:huh: I didn't realise hot water bottles were even used to warm the benches at football matches. Must have missed that one :suspect:

they also bury them under the pitch, havent you heard of under soil heating :P

how can he put the effort in if hes not fit?.

But why would he feel guilty about picking up his wages if he is injured? He isn't going to be deliberately injuring himself, he's just unlucky.

he will never get back in the england squad not good enough and injury prone.

I don't think he will get back in the England squad either but it isn't out of the realms of possibility.

Ferguson has said that Man Utd will not spend any more money this transfer window. With Ronaldo and Tevez leaving, and Owen, Valencia and Obertan coming in as replacements.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8148073.stm

This is going to be a difficult season to come for Man Utd if they are going to challenge for both the Premier league and the Champions league.

Ferguson has said that Man Utd will not spend any more money this transfer window. With Ronaldo and Tevez leaving, and Owen, Valencia and Obertan coming in as replacements.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8148073.stm

This is going to be a difficult season to come for Man Utd if they are going to challenge for both the Premier league and the Champions league.

I can't see me Man U getting to the Champs League final again if this is the end of their spending. If Barca don't lose any players and Real can sign another quality defender and or ball winner in midfield, I fancy one of them 2 to win it.

The Prem is still on and they are helped by the fact that their main rivals aren't really making any big strides in the transfer market either. Man City must be very pleased with the relative lack of activity that the big 4 have had in this window.

I can't see me Man U getting to the Champs League final again if this is the end of their spending. If Barca don't lose any players and Real can sign another quality defender and or ball winner in midfield, I fancy one of them 2 to win it.

The Prem is still on and they are helped by the fact that their main rivals aren't really making any big strides in the transfer market either. Man City must be very pleased with the relative lack of activity that the big 4 have had in this window.

I'm very happy with the signings made by Chelsea so far, we were always a couple of wingers short of being an excellent team, and Zhirkov is a very capable left winger.

I'm very happy with the signings made by Chelsea so far, we were always a couple of wingers short of being an excellent team, and Zhirkov is a very capable left winger.

He's a good player and should improve you but there are a lot of players who could have come to you and the other big three and haven't or has left one of you:

Benzema
Villa
Silva (especially if he was signed with Villa)
Kaka
Pato
Ribery
Ronaldo (obviously was only going to Real but it still weakens Man U)
Aguerro
Barry
Santa Cruz

The last 2 are pushing it a bit but Barry was wanted by Liverpool and Santa Cruz possibly by Arsenal and they would have strengthened the respective sides. The rest are all good for Man City too as the next best thing to not signing a quality player, is that quality player not signing for your rivals. Some of them have not moved on yet and may even come to one of the big 4 but it isn't looking likely.

might be a season or no medals for man utd

He's a good player and should improve you but there are a lot of players who could have come to you and the other big three and haven't or has left one of you:

Benzema
Villa
Silva (especially if he was signed with Villa)
Kaka
Pato
Ribery
Ronaldo (obviously was only going to Real but it still weakens Man U)
Aguerro
Barry
Santa Cruz

The last 2 are pushing it a bit but Barry was wanted by Liverpool and Santa Cruz possibly by Arsenal and they would have strengthened the respective sides. The rest are all good for Man City too as the next best thing to not signing a quality player, is that quality player not signing for your rivals. Some of them have not moved on yet and may even come to one of the big 4 but it isn't looking likely.

Add Adebayor to this list now. I don't rate him as highly as Drogba, who is the best line leading forward in the world, but he is still a good signing for Man City.

Add Adebayor to this list now. I don't rate him as highly as Drogba, who is the best line leading forward in the world, but he is still a good signing for Man City.

All I want is another world class winger and then I'll be happy with Chelsea's squad for next season.

owen will be in double figures this year

All I want is another world class winger and then I'll be happy with Chelsea's squad for next season.

I still don't think Man City will finish any higher than 4th but they are going in the right direction and should be challenging for the title in the 10/11 season. With that kind of cash it is easy to go overboard and buy too many players but I don't think Hughes is that stupid. He may struggle with the big names and he may buckle under the pressure but I am glad that the owners are at least giving him a shot. After the relative failure of last season it wouldn't really have looked that harsh (in today's climate) for them to have got rid of him.

Who would you want (a realistic target) to come in for Chelsea now and who do you think you should be getting rid of?

I still don't think Man City will finish any higher than 4th but they are going in the right direction and should be challenging for the title in the 10/11 season. With that kind of cash it is easy to go overboard and buy too many players but I don't think Hughes is that stupid. He may struggle with the big names and he may buckle under the pressure but I am glad that the owners are at least giving him a shot. After the relative failure of last season it wouldn't really have looked that harsh (in today's climate) for them to have got rid of him.

You have to respect Man City's owners for keep faith with Hughes

Who would you want (a realistic target) to come in for Chelsea now and who do you think you should be getting rid of?

Hatem Ben Arfa from Marseilles would be a good young option, Joaquin from Valencia would also be an interesting choice. It may also be worth making a bid for Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder and I would dearly love to see Arjen Robben back at the bridge.

Any one (or two be beyond my dreams) of the above would be good.

Its a tragedy Michael Owen signing for Man Utd, but it only goes to show that modern football is dictated by money!

Thing is though Owen is probably an excellent signing, what they don't appear to be doing is replacing the world class muppet, C.Ronaldo!

If Owen stays fit (which seems to be the only question mark against him) then this could turn out to be a signing that could be on a par with the signing of Cantona,
If he is a succsess at Man Utd just think how all the Liverpool fans are going to feel, Owen was desperate to go Back to Liverpool, Benitez would get a right slayting for not bringing him home! I personally hope he is over his bad luck with his injuries and can recapture his form that made him such a sucsess, and one of the first names on the teamsheet for England.

Hatem Ben Arfa from Marseilles would be a good young option, Joaquin from Valencia would also be an interesting choice. It may also be worth making a bid for Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder and I would dearly love to see Arjen Robben back at the bridge.

Any one (or two be beyond my dreams) of the above would be good.

Ben Arfa is versatile as he was a forward converted to a winger but I think he may take a while to adjust to the Prem. Ligue 1 isn't up to the standard of our top division and he is relatively long - I think he is good though and would turn out to be a success. How much do you reckon you would need to spend to get him - I think about £20 mil.

Joaquin would be an excellent signing and I don't think you would need to break the bank to get him as Valencia are in a lot of financial trouble. He's vastly experienced, at the peak age for a footballer and relatively strong so he could adapt to the Premiership quite easily.

It's worth testing Real's resolve for most of their attacking players really (obviously not the new signings) as they are going to be getting rid of some of them. I wouldn't be surprised to see both Robben and Sneijder playing for somebody else next year.

his horses are more fit than he his , i think man untied have boughta two legged unfit donkey

his horses are more fit than he his , i think man untied have boughta two legged unfit donkey

I think it's about time you got off the fence Sexybeast and tell it straight.......do you rate Owen or not:hihi:

well what do you think? considering what i have said about him i don't rate him at all waste of time and money

well what do you think? considering what i have said about him i don't rate him at all waste of time and money

I was joking, it's obvious you don't like him or rate him.

I haven't changed my mind from earlier in the thread in that I think he will be a bit part player, solely due to injuries (I can't believe he is going to all of a sudden banish his injury problems at his age). A decent signing as he's free but Man U need more signings to have a repeat of the last 2 seasons IMO - Ronaldo hasn't even nearly been replaced.

Two goals in two games now for Michael :)

Two goals in two games now for Michael :)

They might just be friendlys but it's looking increasingly positive. I'm quite excited because it's quite a risk but if it pays off then Alex Ferguson will yet again be proven to be the best. It would also be a great result for Owen.

They might just be friendlys but it's looking increasingly positive. I'm quite excited because it's quite a risk but if it pays off then Alex Ferguson will yet again be proven to be the best. It would also be a great result for Owen.

From what I have seen, the predator is back :)
I did write him off but the signs point to him being somewhat back to his best - minus the speed however which is understandable, but the poacher instinct is there.

my god is he still fit

From what I have seen, the predator is back :)
I did write him off but the signs point to him being somewhat back to his best - minus the speed however which is understandable, but the poacher instinct is there.

Ryan Giggs has proven that pace isn't everything - since he's lost his pace he's still playing some amazing football. I think United could do the same with Owen and help facilitate his progression into a smarter player instead of someone who relies on their pace.

It also seems he's fitted in well with the team which I think is an important factor for any new player trying to get settled. Hopefully it'll mean United can utilize Owens talent as quickly as possible.

Edit: Just a quick add as well. Van Nistelrooy was a great poacher of the ball and didn't have much pace. It would be interesting to see if Owen could pick up a similar role (providing the midfield can provide the ball to him)

I loathe Man Utd with a passion but this is looking like it's going to be the freebie signing of the season. The reason being that Owen will be playing for a club who are actually providing him with the ball in or near the box. It's been proven already in the first 2 games and he didn't play full matches in either. Good luck to him but Man Utd to be stuffed by Burnley please!

ryan giggs has performed for years for man utd you cannot say that about owen we will see when the season begins how good he is that will be the testing time see how many games he is fit and what his fitness is like

But Ryan Giggs is also a lot older than Owen. You've got remember that Owen (although I always feel it seems he's still really old because he's been playing for so long) is only 29 - which is a great age for a stiker to be. He might have had the odd injury but at Utd. I can see him having to work a lot less to get the ball in a prime spot to be a goal threat. This should hopefully equate to less chance of being injured.

At the end of the day Utd. have won lots of trophys because of super subs (Solkjaer and Sheringham spring to mind) if Owen could do that same then I'd be happy.

i suppose you can dream .

had to burn my old liverpool shirt with his name on the back

I agree if Fergie uses him as a super sub and Owen is happy with that role then he could get a lot of goals without over-exerting himself physically. I think a lot of his recent injuries are because he was rushed back too quickly with too much expectation of what he could deliver for his team.

someones got to keep hargreaves company in treatment room

Ferguson has come out and said he expects Owen to play around 25 games in the 09/10 season and has set him a target of 15 goals. Clearly Fergie is thinking along the lines of most people on this thread in that Owen has been signed as an impact player/super sub rather than somebody who can replace Ronaldo.

best thing you ever did siggsy

Awwww.......really wanted to see him hammer one in today against Birmingham when he had the chance. Would have been a fairy tale start, but no joy!

(didn't really notice him doing anything on the pitch apart from that moment).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zk6_mhKoR4

BANG!

(and I like the commentary :hihi:)

Here we go then. That supersub goal in 20th minute of stoppage time was the reason they bought him.

Great finish from him, should easily still be in the england squad for pure finishing alone, our most natural striker since linekear, id say hes even better!

Absolute class act, always will be, if he can steer clear of injuries he should definately be on the plane to the world cup....or, we could just take Crouch & Heskey!!! :suspect:

Paid back some money tonight (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8399065.stm)

Owen's season is now over and 9 goals in 31 appearances (20 as a sub) was largely what most of us expected. He did ok and came up with some crucial goals but I think this season was confirmation that Michael Owen is no longer a major force in football. While he was at a relatively struggling club like Newcastle there was always the thought that maybe he needed to play for a top club to find his top form but sadly it's clear that he is a shadow of his former self. I still reckon he'll be at Man Utd next year but i'd be surprised if they don't bring in another quality forward over the summer.