Manchester United's Productive "Waste"

Playing in the red of England in the 2006 World Cup finals, Michael Owen completed a routine pass to Ashley Cole. It is a pass he had made countless times in his eight year England career up to that point, but this particular pass, 51 seconds into his 80th international cap against Sweden, transformed his career for the very worst.

It took a year for the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee to recover, but since that fateful injury, the now 31 year-old striker has suffered many more, less serious but equally destructive injuries which have blighted his career for three of the biggest clubs in England as well as the 31-time La Liga winners, Real Madrid.

His eight seasons with Liverpool were a massive success, creating a worldwide name for himself , scoring a brilliant 158 goals in 297 appearances, helping Liverpool to an F.A Cup, two League Cups and a UEFA Cup as well as the individual 2001 Ballon d'Or, marking him out as the best player in Europe. If it wasn't for his present connection with rivals Manchester United, Owen would have undoubtedly cemented his place as a Liverpool legend as their 7th all-time top goal scorer.

Now with Manchester United after perhaps 'unfortunate' spells with Real Madrid and Newcastle, his long, successful career is slowly coming to an end. Injuries and stiff competition for places at Old Trafford have restricted him to 41 appearances as he enters into his third season with the club, with many of those being cameo appearances from the bench.

His latest appearance was a rare start against Leeds United in the Carling Cup, and his first game of the season. By the time the game had finished, Owen had reminded everyone who watched the game or heard about it afterwards, what a fantastic striker he actually is. Despite the constant set backs and physical constraints, his awareness in the box remains superb, his movement is exquisite, and his finishing, lethal.

Two goals in just one game sum Owen up well. He takes his chances when he gets them. He may get stick for warming the bench, and he naturally isn't satisfied with his static role in the dugout, but he continues to do what he has always done best, and what football teams require to succeed; score goals.

With competition like Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and £30 million Dimitar Berbatov, the former Liverpool striker, who signed for absolutely nothing is a very important part of the Manchester United team. He is a necessity that all big teams must have, and an essential feature that a team like Arsenal, currently struggling miserably when they should be winning trophies, do not have; quality in depth.

United were able to put out a makeshift squad out against a mid-table Championship side fired up by their home crowd and yet they won with ease. Sir Alex Ferguson ended with a defence made up of an attacking winger, a international midfielder, a £30 million striker and one half of the energetic twins in Fabio, yet a clean sheet was kept. Up front, Rooney and Hernandez were allowed a rest, yet Owen provided the two vital goals to settle the young but experienced and quality squad into the win.

Michael Owen may not be proud of taking home a considerable wage despite not playing, but in a Manchester United squad which thrives on its outstanding strength in depth, Owen, whose career has been branded a "waste" by some because of injures id a hugely appreciated productive asset to Manchester United, and will continue to be so throughout this season.

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Watch: Leeds 0 - 3 Manchester United

A Michael Owen double and Ryan Giggs strike saw Manchester United progress from the third round of the Carling Cup with a promising, youth-orientated squad which gifted United fans a glimpse of the future, with three youngsters making their competitive débuts.

United's two goalscorers on the night have played a combined total of over 1300 games throughout their careers, but as their time come to an end, this game will have been a welcome competitive game as the wave of talented youths come through the United ranks. Watch the goals below:

Owen 1st

Owen 2nd

Giggs 1st

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Macheda Grows Up Just In Time?

Those who stayed up into the early hours of the morning to watch Manchester United's pre season game against New England Revolution will have seen Kiko Macheda score two very instinctive and classy goals in United's 4-1 win in Boston, Massachusetts.

In fact, his all round performance had improved vastly from the last time I saw him in a Manchester United shirt, as he scored double the amount of goals in this game than he did in his six month loan with Italian side Sampdoria last season. Sent on at half time last night, he was clearly a man on a mission.

He wanted to and quite frankly needed to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson that he can compete for a forward position at Manchester United, ahead of the five other strikers fighting for a place.

The 19 year-old, who has recently joined Twitter and already making headlines on the site with a tweet about possible United signing Wesley Sneijder, was delighted to be back in a United shirt. He said:

"I am very happy because I had a difficult six months. I couldn't wait to get back here from Italy, even though it is my own country." 

"There is a different mentality in Italy. They don't see young players like they do in England. They don't tend to choose them, especially when things are not going well." 

"I am not scarred by it. You learn a lot from bad experiences. I grew up as a man. I have another mentality now." 

"When you leave Manchester United, go somewhere else and come back, you realise how different it all is. It is better to work really hard and I hope to stay here."

If he can continue to put in performances like the one against New England Revolution, he certainly has a good chance of staying at United. He looked fit, sharp and up for the task, and with a bit more coaching could have a big future ahead of him.

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Berbatov Should be Sold if £15m Bid is Offered

Dimitar Berbatov is a fantastic football player and a top professional for Manchester United. That much has been confirmed in the crazy season the Bulgarian has experienced at Old Trafford, from the highs of scoring some fantastic goals on the way to becoming the Premier League's top scorer to the low of being left out of the Champions League Final squad. However, despite affirming his commitment to Manchester United for next season admirably, it has been revealed that Berbatov will not be signing an extension to his contract at United.

With only one year left, Sir Alex Ferguson offered Berbatov a one year extension to his contract before the Champions League Final, and Berbatov did not sign. He said that he is happy to stay at Manchester United, fight for a first team place and ride out the rest of his £80,000 a week contract to allow him to leave on a free transfer at the end of next season.

Now, however much you like Berbatov for his graciousness and the certain vulnerability he showed when he told the world of the shame that came over him from being left out of the Champions League Final squad, you cannot see leaving the guy in the squad for a year only for him to leave for a free a good deal for the club. Berbatov cost the club £30 million plus Friazer Campbell on loan - he didn't come cheap, and it was a last minute deal involving a lot of stress and strained relations with Tottenham. Surely United must take some money from a sale rather than just release him?
Berbatov said on Bulgarian TV:

"I will stay, I will fight for the 20th title. If I were an easy quitter, I would never have made it this far. Everything at Manchester United starts from scratch for me on July 4."

"There will be new finals and we will be fighting for new titles. I am moving ahead. When you go through difficult times, you should not quit."

Okay, he will not quit, but he will not commit either, according to Goal.com, so it is not a great situation for United if they want to take in some money from his sale. PSG have apparently opened the bidding for Berbatov at £13 million, and there are several clubs interested in his signature, including Bayern Munich, and some have even said Tottenham.

Manchester United may be able to offload Berbatov to his former club Tottenham in some sort of player plus cash exchange for Luka Modric whom United have reportedly made their prime target, though Tottenham are far from willing to let go of him at any price.

Don't get me wrong, I would love Berbatov to stay if he was signing a new contract - a one year extension, I simply object to United allowing him to run down his current contract and allow him to go for free when you consider how much was paid for him. I hope that if Berbatov truly has decided not renew his contract or extend it, then any offer for him is very seriously considered.

With Owen recently signing an extension, Welbeck and Macheda returning to fight for a starting place with Rooney and Hernandez, competition is going to be increasing tough, so, it pains me to say it, perhaps Berbatov leaving wouldn't be such a bad thing in terms of the young players chances in the first team.

I trust Sir Alex Ferguson to make the right decision on the matter, and whatever happens to Berbatov, I am very grateful for what he has done at United, especially this season. He is a model professional and a quality footballer, and he still has game in him - whether he chooses to play them at Manchester United is another matter.

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Man United & Arsenal to Fight for Alvaro Morata

Manchester United and Arsenal are said to be preparing for a summer move for Real Madrid's 18 year-old striker, Alvaro Morata. The player is highly regarded as a big future prospect who can hold the ball up well, finish clinically in front of goal and has excellent movement and heading ability, described as similar to former Madrid and Liverpool striker, Fernando Morientes.

Real Madrid's current forward positions are tough places to win, with former United star Cristiano Ronaldo a nailed on regular, as well as competition from Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City loanee, Emmanuel Adebayor. It is reportedly likely that due to a busy transfer market on the horizon for Madrid in the attacking department, including the prospective signing of Athletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, Jose Mourinho will have to let go some of the youngsters, despite their promise and potential.

The top teams in England are ready to pounce, with United, Arsenal and Chelsea all said to want Morata, who has been very impressive for Madrid's reserves, recently scoring a hat-trick in a 7-1 win against Deportivo's reserve side.

Manchester United apparently made a late bid for Morata at the end of the latest January transfer window, with TalkSport claiming that a "concrete" interest was shown by United only to be rejected by the Spanish club. There was no mention of what United may have bid for Morata, but the player has a contract which runs until June 2013 -  two more years, so he would not be out of Arsenal's, Wenger's or United's price range.

When Real Madrid's Higuain was injured during the season, the Spanish media asked Mourinho whether he would bring in Morata to the first team, to which the former Chelsea manager responded:

"He's not prepared to be in the starting lineup of Real Madrid. He needs to grow up and finish his formation with the Castilla [Madrid's reserves]"

Arsenal will be looking for a new striker in what Wenger has described as an unusually busy summer for him, especially as their Danish talent, Nicklas Bendtner has more or less confirmed he will be leaving the club in search of more game time. Arsenal seem happy to let him leave, as the profit made from him will be more useful than the player himself who has not lived up to his own high expectations.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's attacking department is already very strong, with Michael Owen signing a new one year extension today as well as Dimitar Berbatov rejecting rumours of him leaving the club due to being left out of the Champions League final squad. United will also see the return of Danny Welbeck to their ranks, as all three mentioned strikers will fight for a starting place with Rooney and Hernandez.

However, the Spanish media have been somewhat sceptical over any possible transfer of Morata to England, especially on a permanent deal, citing the reason that Madrid are well aware of the huge potential he possesses. Despite the possible signing of Aguero, Madrid would do well to keep the Spanish Under-19 talent Morata at the Bernabeu and away from the clutches of top European clubs like United and Arsenal, whatever the cost.

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Picture: Michael Owen Lifts His 1st Premier League

Who would have thought that Michael Owen, the Liverpool kid, who scored goals for fun at Anfield for a good eight years would be lifting his first Premier League trophy for Manchester United in possibly his last season at the top level of football. He capped it with a clinical finish to place the cherry firmly on the delicious Manchester United cake, as his second Premier League goal of the season condemned a brake Blackpool to relegation. 
A jubilant Owen told MUTV:

“As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. I won a lot of trophies with Liverpool but to win the Premier League is the pinnacle of anyone’s career. 

"I’m very proud today. I’ve not played as much as I did last year but we all have to play our part to win the league and it’s been enjoyable, nonetheless. 

"I’m really pleased and proud to have played with a great crop of lads and obviously the manager’s second to none.”

468 professional appearances, 218 career goals, 15 years and at last, at long last, a Premier League title. Congratulations Manchester United, congratulations Michael Owen.

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Video: Man United Lift Premier League & Celebrations

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Manchester United claimed their 19th Premier League title, with smiles etched on everyone's faces. The United captain was first to lift the trophy flanked with red and black ribbons to show off with pride and passion to the jubilant home support inside Old Trafford. United maintained their unbeaten season at home, which unfortunately meant that Blackpool, United's opponents were relegated, losing 4 - 2.

Ji Sung Park, Anderson, an Evett own goal and a typical Michael Owen goal gave United the four they wanted to take the Premier League in style, while Edwin van der Sar played his last game for United. There was no clean sheet for the retiring Dutchman however, thanks to a Charlie Adam free-kick and a Gary Taylor Fletcher second, but it will not sour United's day too much, as they are overcome with joy, and excitement for the future. 

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Everyone Loves Chicharito

It seems as if Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez is universally popular. A day doesn't go by without someone heaping praise on his little shoulders. However, his popularity is not just because of his cute little baby face which has quite often been the picture of delight this season, but it is also because he is a fantastic, down to earth footballer, with an outstanding talent to score goals at the perfect time.

Opening the scoring against Chelsea in the 36th second was quite astonishing, but it was also very unsurprising when you consider his record. In one-on-ones, he rarely misses, and this was no exception as he swept the ball passed a helpless Cech for his 20th goal of the season. Despite setting them up for a very bad day and disappointing season overall, I'm sure Chelsea fans cannot be too resentful of the young Mexican who is more of a charming yet dangerous presence rather than a menacing and deadly presence of Rooney. But what a partnership they make!

Chicharito's form has been watched by millions all over the world, which only helps in the praise being garnished upon him. Brazil legend Pele, Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs, the Mexican national manager Javier Aguirre and Michael Owen - whose popularity is also increasing amongst United fans, largely due to his informative and insightful Twitter updates rather than his scarce (but often valuable) time on the pitch - are just some of the names who have applauded Chicharito.


Pele commended the goal-machine of Hernandez, and stated that he may in the future be able to reach the dizzy heights of quality that Barcelona stunner Lionel Messi currently produces with ease. The three-time World Cup winner said:

"There is no doubt that Hernandez is a promising player. He is excellent, I have seen some games of his on television and he is a fantastic footballer."

"He could be the next Messi because he has great talent; he is a big surprise just as Hugo Sanchez was because he is another that scores a lot of goals."

That truly is a compliment of the highest degree from Pele there, though despite the obvious qualities of the 22 year-old, you may doubt whether he will reach the standard that Messi has set. We will have to wait and see, bu Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with him nevertheless, as he has exceeded all expectations:

"When he came to us, at first we thought 'give him a year' but he has taken all the chances. He's been exceptional."

Giggs was also very complimentary of Hernandez, citing how well he has settled in England; learning the language and adapting so quickly to the pace of the game as his main points of success:

“Twenty goals in his first season is unbelievable and amazing. You are always in with a chance when you have a goal scorer like Javier in your team. He has made a fantastic impact, on and off the pitch. His English is perfect, which has helped, and his goal (against Chelsea) just sums up his wonderful season. 

That is coming from a man who has won 11 and now nearly 12 League titles as well as legendary status at Old Trafford whilst still playing at 37. The Mexico manager Aguirre, who like Ferguson has worked with Hernandez as a wise manager said the United star was like one of his "children", "very polite and hard-working". He said that when he first saw Hernandez at the age of 15  he "could tell straight away that he was a special talent".

Michael Owen and Hernandez have had their playing styles compared as similar, so Owen is in a perfect position to judge the progress of the lad. Owen said Chicharito has been the surprise package this year, and apart from being a "cracking lad", he is "a better version of the current Michael Owen".

All of this appreciation from such top professionals who have been there and done it will not however get into the players head and turn him into an egotistical maniac who feeds off the praise and becomes infatuated by himself. No, because when Javier Hernandez joined Manchester United - the biggest club in the world for £6 million just before the World Cup last summer, he said:

"I shall always be the same chap, with my feet always on the ground, and I see this as another challenge in my career. I am, first and foremost, a human being."

Don't you just love him? Everyone does.

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Watch: Arsenal 1 - 0 Manchester United

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Arsenal defeated Manchester United through an Aaron Ramsey goal in a very disappointing game for United in which their troubled away form came back to haunt them. The players didn't seem up for the fight at a sunny Emirates stadium, and Arsenal dominated from the start of play.

 The Gunners were restricted to only a few goalscoring opportunities, with a Vidic handball being missed by both the linesman and referee in the first half. United had a few penalty claims themselves, with Michael Owen clearly being brought down late on when he was clean through, but the Emirates was a penalty free-zone.

 However, Arsenal did not need a penalty to claim the win, as Robin van Persie set up Arsenal's Welsh midfielder who had come in to replace an injured Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal were able to hold on to the lead which they grabbed in the 56th minute, but in truth, United never really offered too much in the attack.

It was not a classic game between the two, but in terms of the title race, it has quite large consequences to United if they fail to beat Chelsea in their next Premier League game. Chelsea could overtake United with a win, and this performance will not have Chelsea afraid of a visit to Old Trafford, especially as United have the added distraction of a Champions League semi final second leg.

All in all, Arsenal deserved the win due to their dominance, without being troubled by an non-threatening attack. United didn't use their wings as much or as well as they could have, with Nani unable to have an effect on the game - unlike previous visits to Arsenal. As a result, the deliveries into the box were either poor, or few, so Rooney and Chicharito couldn't make much of an impact. Chicharito thrives on his delivery, but in it's absence, there was no hope for him among some big defenders.

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Owen Wants To be The New Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Michael Owen joined Manchester United in the knowledge that a starting place would be very rare. At 31, he has come to accept this, and the cameo role he plays in certain matches often prove absolutely vital in games, especially when you consider he was a free signing for United. But the main reason the former Liverpool fan favourite joined United was to do something that his previous teams rarely did in his time there - win trophies.

He came to no better place, and this season, he has the chance to help United to win both the Premier League trophy, and the Champions League trophy, both of which would be the first of his long, goal filled career. In a recent interview, Owen put his lack of pitch time down to the quality and depth of the squad at United. He said:

"Even if it is just one goal or one good performance, everyone is going to play their part."

"I was in the stand on Tuesday against Schalke. You are feeling sorry for yourself thinking I would like to be on the pitch or on the bench.

"Next to you is Wes Brown, who has dozens of England caps and John O'Shea, who has got even more for the Republic of Ireland. Darron Gibson is also an international.

"They are not even getting stripped. That tells you everything about the squad of player we have got.

The majority of Manchester Untied fans see Owen's best position as on the bench, and coming on late in the game when a goal is needed - a "super-sub" if you like, and it the interview, he said something quite interesting considering United's history:

"I suppose I am dreaming of coming off the bench and scoring the stoppage-time winner in the Champions League final.

"That is the motivation that drives me on. Every day I have to be ready and prepared to come in and do something."

Sound familiar? Cast your minds back to the 1999 Champions League final, and who came on in a Champions League final to score the winner? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of course, and what was he genreally known as? A "super-sub". Scoring a late winner in the Champions League final must be a dream come true for any player, and every time I watch Solskjaer's winner in that final, goosebumps run fiercely all over my skin, so what it must be like for a player only they will know.

Michael Owen has done it before in his time at United - not in a Champions League final - but in the Manchester derby last season, when a draw seemed certain late on. His 96th minute goal is typical of United's never say die attitude, and there is no doubt, that if United make this years European Cup final, and they need a goal, Michael Owen will surely be sent on to find one. Like Solskjaer, his finishing and eye for goal are deadly. Who knows, perhaps late in May, Owen's dream may become a reality. Lets hope so.

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Sir Alex Has Confidence in His Winning Team

Manchester United may not have the cutting edge of previous title and double winning sides, but they possess the one thing that really matters, and the one thing that is so rare and therefore valuable to a trophy challenging side; the ability to dig out a win when the opposite looks inevitable. It is a trait that Sir Alex Ferguson has pumping through his veins and has clearly rubbed off on his side as they sit six points clear at the top of the League and in the Champions League semi-final.

Sir Alex was speaking this week-end of the final few fixtures this season which include games against the two title challengers, Arsenal and Chelsea. He was frustrated that people who talk of the two games against Arsenal and Chelsea suggest that United will lose them, or at least drop points. This may be the likely possibility in at least one of the fixtures as the side may be suffering from fatigue as they battle on both the European and domestic fronts, but Sir Alex remains defiant:

"The thing that puzzles me is that people keep saying we still have to play Arsenal and Chelsea and they talk about these games as if we are going to lose them."

"Why can't we win these games? Why can't we go to the Emirates Stadium and win, as we have done previously? I told the players to forget about all that nonsense and just win their games."

United are favourites for the League, as they have been for a few months now, but with the recent slip-ups of Arsenal, it is generally thought that United will have the trophy in their hands sooner rather than later. If they win both games against Arsenal and Chelsea, they will have their 19th title, overtaking Liverpool's record, as Sir Alex Ferguson finally completes his promise to knock Liverpool off their perch. How has he done it? How has the greatest manager of his generation, and possibly ever, been able to guide this team to close success? A winning mentality, great character, and a fierce fight until the end:

"There is that winning attitude about them. We will keep our heads down and not get carried away. There are only four games left and the way they are going about their business and the effort they have shown, it gives them an outstanding chance of being champions. You can test people's character but they keep coming through. 

"We had some great openings and could have had this match finished by half-time but it is in the traditions of Manchester United that we don't do that. We always wait until the very end and keep everyone high on the edge of their seats but we get there."

United will face Schalke 04 on Tuesday, a match which the German side will be underdogs, a position that so far in the European campaign, they have thrived on. It will be a tough test for Sir Alex's side, who will come up against a player who is a European legend, and a player that United held talks to sign last summer. 


Former Real Madrid striker Raul had attracted Ferguson, and he said that although United were looking for young players, Raul is still a top striker, and could make it at United. However, with the strikers already at United, including Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and the then newly acquired Javier Hernandez, Sir Alex decided to pass up the opportunity to sign the Spaniard:

"You can make exceptions for certain players, because experience is so valuable. We thought the same when we signed Michael Owen, who has been a terrific professional for us, and bringing in Raúl would have been similar to when we managed to get Henrik Larsson for a short time a few years ago. 

"It was obvious his time at Real Madrid had come to an end, and he certainly wasn't too old to be effective, as he has been showing in Germany. We spoke to his agent about a possible move but we already had Javier Hernández by then and, with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen available, we thought we could afford to let the chance pass."

 "If we hadn't had Michael at the club at the time I might well have signed him." 

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Wayne Rooney Joins Twitter

Wayne Rooney has joined Twitter this week-end to accompany his fellow United team-mates Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Luis Nani and Johnny Evans on the social networking site.

He is sure to give United fans his own insight on life with Manchester United, and has already spoke about playing up front with Javier Hernandez:

"Love playing with Hernandez. Buy of century. Great lad to"

The England striker is approaching 100,000 followers already, so follow him here: @Wazzaroon08

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A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.

"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.

"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.

"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."

Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Michael Owen: I'm Fit & Ready for United & England Return

Manchester United will have no shortage of strikers next season. Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov will be ready and raring to go as well as those young strikers returning from loan deals; Danny Welbeck, Kiko Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf. One striker whose future is still yet to be decided is a man who Sir Alex Ferguson has described him as "world class", with "absolutely superb" positional play, first touch and finishing.

Surely then, with those qualities, Michael Owen would have no problem in getting into the United side. On the contrary, because of a mixture of both injuries and bad luck, his appearances for United have been limited.

11 appearances this season due to the hamstring injury he suffered during last years Carling Cup final and other unfortunate injuries has seen him score four goals. Despite criticism of being "injury plagued", last season saw a fantastic return from the then 30 year old - 31 appearances and 9 crucial goals.
His last game for England was in 2008 which was incidentally his only appearance under the management of Fabio Capello. 89 appearances and 40 goals for his country however tell a different story.

The new man to Twitter spent today clearing a few things up on the micro-blogging site:

"By the way, to answer a common question: I'm fit. I was on the side of the pitch about to come on last week [against Bolton] until Jonny Evans got sent off."

He also congratulated Gareth Barry on the news that the Manchester City midfielder would captain England on Tuesday against Ghana. He also joked about his England situation:

"Congrats to Gareth Barry, great honour for him. Quite a few dropped out of squad, Mr Capello must be making room for me to return!!!!!!!!!!!" 

In response to some obviously derogatory responses to that Tweet, Owen followed up with this:

"I knew that joke would get a few of you taking the p*** out of me! You certainly need thick skin to play this Tweeting game."

Follow Michael on Twitter @themichaelowen 

Hargreaves Injury Update - Not Good

I am still awaiting the day when an injury update on Owen Hargreaves can be classified as 'good news'. As it is, the Canadian born midfielder is once again on the all to familiar treatment table at United. This time it is his shoulder.

Apparently, he damaged his shoulder in training with United and will now be out for another month. He felt his shoulder pop out of its socket as he challenged for a header. The initial fears are that he has damaged ligaments and could be out for at least four weeks.

He has already missed the majority of the season with his persistent knee injuries and hamstring injury and received several operations to cure  the continuous trouble but now more misery is heaped onto the poor guy. I suppose the good news from this is that it isn't a recurrence of the knee injury or the hamstring injury he picked up earlier this season.

Hargreaves started against Wolves to the surprise of many back in November. It was all looking great until the sixth minute when he pulled up with a hamstring injury and was once again forced down the tunnel to receive treatment and the inevitable bad news.

At 30 years of age and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it would be a leap of faith for Sir Alex to keep him at United for another year considering his injuries. He would certainly be worth the risk if he were to overcome his injuries, but much like Michael Owen, whose contract also expires come the end of the season, it would be a big risk.