As expected, many fans didn’t warm to Michael Owen during his three seasons at Manchester United. Still, thanks to that late winner against City, in one of the best derbies ever, Owen’s name is in our history books.
Yesterday he announced he would be retiring at the end of the season and so it’s probably only fair we mention it.
Whilst the derby winner is the favourite moment for most reds, I’d argue the day he lifted the Premier League trophy in 2011 has to rank pretty highly as well. A former scouse hero winning that record breaking 19th title with United.
“As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them,” he said with a smile at the time. “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.”
Man Utd News 24/7
Don’t understand why some fans didn’t like him. He had the balls to come play for us even though he had history with Liverpool. He filled a need at the time and never really let us down when he played. It’s sad to see him go out like this but I give him credit for knowing when to say enough is enough.
I liked his hatrick against Wolfsburg I think it was, obertan looked like ronaldo in that game too
that boy Owen, he’s won it one time!
Michael Owen.
One of only 4 englishmen to win the Ballon d’Ore.
Played for 3 of the most storied clubs in football.
Injuries cut him down before he ever arrived at our club.
But everyone saw what a talent he was.
With all his personal success, he only won 1 league title in his 21 years as a professional player.
He came to Manchester United to do it.
He scored a couple of sensational goals while at it.
I only have good memories of Owen in a United shirt. Wish his old injuries had allowed us to appreciate him more than we did.
52 appearances, 17 goals.
Best moment? Sept 20 2009 96th minute winner v City at Old Trafford. Mint!
A professional, a family man, a gentleman. Why say more.
He came,
He scored,
He won,
And that is that. Thank you
Jamie Carragher sums up the bitterness in Liverpool ….
Michael wanted to play for his old team. You lot turned him down……. twice!
http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2013/03/jamie-carragher-michael-owen-made-a-mistake-joining-man-utd
Haha, I’m am pretty sure most of us accepted him, especially after that goal against City. Maybe not to the level of many of our players, but he has his place
Quality lad,brilliant finisher ,case of his career being fucked up because of injuries due to being played to much as a young lad because he was so good
LittleMikey 1 – StevieGBH – nil.
Yeah, I know; someone said the same thing yesterday but it feels so good that I had to repeat it.
Jamie carragher just seems bitter. It was the fsw fault he didnt go back to lpoo. At the end of the day how could he turn United down.. and top top it off he got his hands on a prem medal. Fair play to him. And good luck to him in his future.. still shouldn’t of got the number 7 shirt imo tho..
FletchTHEMAN, spot on!!
Jamie Carragher = deluded and envious. Owen made the best decision of his life joining us and winning a league title, unlike you!!
Years from now, Michael Owen will be sat down with his grandkids, and they’ll say to him “Granddad, go on, show us your football medals”, and when they ask him which one is the best, he’ll get his Premier League Champions medal out, and proudly tell his wide eyed grandkids of the time when he played for United.
OK, he seemed to be injured on and off for his entire career at Old Trafford, but his goals scored versus actual minutes played record would compare favourably with any striker’s.
Very few players have appeared for both United and our biggest rivals Liverpool, and in fact no direct transfer between the two clubs has taken place since 1964. When Paul Ince ended up at Liverpool via Inter Milan, his popularity amongst United fans immediately went down, so let’s give credit to Michael Owen for having the balls to come to United.
To score a Champions League hat-trick in Germany, a goal in the League Cup Final against Villa, and a 96th minute winner in the Manchester Derby to send the red three-quarters of Manchester into absolute ecstasy, would be enough for most people.
DentonDavie and Belfast Red
LittleMikey 1 – Jamie Carragher – nil.
The One,
Cheers mate.
Question for you lot. I kind of recall Owen being find at first and then getting injured playing for England on the terrible heavy and shifting Wembley pitch, back when it was just re opened.
I recall that pitch also injured Hargreaves and Rio, possibly Carrick.
Why I bring this up is that I feel England duty really f@cd us in 09-11. So pleased Rio hasn’t been playing for them as it has truly extended his career.
Maybe I remember this wrong. I really can’t stand watching england with the presenters always upping pool and chaves players and shagging the United lads. (no…… not a typo)
Jamie carragher one daft twat & bitter.
Thank Michael Owen.
I dont need to say a lot jamie carragher is a cunt he is just jolous coz that lad mickey won it one time little mickey 1 ,,,, gerrad – carragher -nil 0 ,,,,
Anywayz I think you all will agree with me that if he did’nt had the injury problems he would have been still terrorising defenders till now 10 times better than alan shearer ,,,,splendid carreer he had cudos mickey you will be rememberd
It’s true to say that many fans couldn’t or wouldn’t ever really accept Owen because of his close association with Liverpool, however it’s also true to say that in his short time at united he always gave his best and did leave us with some great moments. Since leaving the club he has always spoken highly of the manager, players and club which is more than can be said for some former players.
Didn’t have a problem with him. He did what it said on the tin – barely played, but didn’t cost us much. Wound up the Vermin. When he was called upon, he scored. His first season (Derby winner, hat-trick in the CL, Cup final equaliser) justified his stay IMO. Also thought his all round game was far better than I’d realised before he joined us (which is why he often played in a deep role)
As for his overall career – a lot of people I’ve heard have been very harsh. He will go down with the GREAT strikers of his era. Ronaldo, Henry, Ruud, Inzaghi, Raul etc. His goal record stands up to any of them. Scored a shedload AND won the Ballon d’or. Yes he was basically finished since about 2008 but he was a brilliant player in his day.
I have always liked Owen as a player, even respected his ability when he played for the Dippers. He was a natural finisher, in the mould of greeves and Liniker (fox in the box). Chico reminds me a little of him, a real poacher. The way he celebrated his City winner is a great memory and I agree with scott, to see him enjoying lifting number 19 does make me smile, even if most of the enjoyment comes from imagining the bitter dippers choking on thier beer when seeing it.
Good player and would have broken Englands goal record if his career did not have the injury issues it had.
All in all, gald he came, loved his goals and the fact that he won his only title wearing the RED of manchester.
as someone said above, only regret is the 7 shirt.
Did someone else post this:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gossip-yaya-toure-manchester-city-1763994
What a “massive project” !
A much maligned player in my view.
He was a consumate professional on top of being exceptionally gifted and intelligent who worked hard. There are some who will say he never fulfilled his promise but for his tragic injuries. But look at what he actually achieved in the game – including the Ballon D’Or – and he’s done well for himself.
I for one will treasure his time at United and as neutral remain a fan of his stunning goals for England.
He was way smarter than the average footballer and had outside interests which made him a down to earth bloke in this day and age of pure mindless bling.
Enjoy your retirement Michael!
That fat horse abusing cunt Mick Quinn was slagging Owen today. Had to laugh though as as much as he hates United and unprofessionaly makes no attempt to hide the fact, when asked if he would ever have joined United he said ” yes course I would”.
Only reason to ever hate Owen was his time with the Dippers, which, sadly for him, was when he was at his peak. A lad that should have won more in his time but his record is none too shabby. Always seemed a proper bloke and a fella you’d care to sit down over a pint and listen to some stories. Well educated, well spoken and a hard working professional despite his god given talent. Dare I say, a testiment to what modern footballers should be looking up to?
Roll on to retirement Michael, may your horses run true and sound and thank you for delivering one of the finest Derby moments in this supporter’s 30 odd years.
SCOTT!!!
This is a beautiful sentence, and we as fellow Reds should always remember this occasion when those liverpool fans say something.
Quote: “A former scouse hero winning that record breaking 19th title with United.”
beautiful.
I never loved him as a true United great because of his scouse connections but I always felt confident he’d score when he came on for us.
And that goal against City is truly one of the greatest moments for me as a United supporter – SKY has played it a lot over the last 24 hours and everytime I’ve seen it the hairs stand up on my neck and a great big smirk appears all over my face……………so for that – Mr Owen I thank you!!
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
Michael 1, Gerard 0
“cleared away as far as Ryan Giggs…. WHOSE PLACED ONE FOR MICHAEL OWEN…”
I was lucky enough to be at OT THAT day but unfortunately only saw the goal in the concourse on the screens. However the stands were absolutely shaking. When Rio did that shit casual lumped ball in the last second which allowed Bellamy to score I was seething and left my seat. Luckily not the ground though. Will never forget that day as it was also the first proper derby since the sheiks took over.
My Dad used to play cricket with him at Hawarden, when he was about to sign his pro contract with Liverpool, my Dad asked him why he wouldn’t sign for United. Owen replied with “Why would I sign for those Manc twats?”
Enough said. He’s a boring bastard anyway.
Little scouse cunt was alright.
Was a professional end of. Its the injuries that ultimately did it, no matter how many times people try to talk their way around it. His pace and shot were outstanding. Dont expect Liverpool to give hims the sort of education that players nurtured at our academy have. Sir Alex has invested heavily in our youth over the years, with the likes of Muelensteen coming in. Michael never looked the sort of center forward who ever relied on guile and never looked like changing either, and every time he got a run going those injuries cropped up again. Once pace goes its easy for a player like that to fade. Its why Giggsy is so unique. Cant wait for this international break to be over…
medumtum @ o2:43: “Cant wait for this international break to be over…”
You and me both, mate.
Owen was an outstanding penalty box striker at his pomp but he’s one of many reasons why it is important for a striker to have flexibility and an all round game, owen has heavily relied on his pace and as soon as the deteoriated, his effectiveness dwindled. He’s come through the academy with the old fashioned mentality of thinking pure poaching is enough, well it was at that time but as soon as tactics evolved and players became more adaptable, forwards were given more than enough roles (linking up with midfielders, assisting, dropping deep to do a tactical job.on influential deep playmakers e.t.c, basically being the platform for the attack. Owen hasn’t got all these skills and he certainly hasn’t been coached the essence of having them, it is affected his game along with injuries.
Super winner from.michael owen against city though, laying the conclusion to a roller-coaster footballing ride of manchester united…… I also have to add that owen wasn’t manabed as well as he snould have been, played more games as he was still developing, he should have been taken in and out of the team but he kept playing and for a player that relies on.his pace, wasn’t a bright move.
Off topic!
Joe Hart calling us a killing machine, ha!that is kinda fair confession one should wonder;)
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1382630?&cc=4716
little mickey owen found redemption at OT, good on yer son, good job done when needed
Mickey is all right by me. Just. Will never forget the injury time winner and the lifting the league trophy
Andromeda
Cheers mate. That interview was mint. Poor City and poor Joe Hart. Hard done by and that’s a fact.
“United are better than us, and that’s a facht!”
Important day for United as we might hear about whether Nani or Sir Alex will receive bans from UEFA for the Real Madrid game.
Decent read in the telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9944231/Manchester-United-appeal-to-Uefa-for-leniency-over-Nanis-red-card-against-Real-Madrid.html
This is mint
David De Gea sends texts to Patty Evra.
“Spain has the best keepers!”
‘Spain will beat France easily!’
Good Bantz from the lads!
@Fletch
cheers mate!!
He just reminding Mancini who is the Boss now!!guess he will stop his useless mind games from now;)
I don’t think it’s fair to say that fans didn’t warm to him. Ok he wasn’t a fans hero but I’d say the vast majority were happy to have him. I’m sure that less injuries would have meant more playing time and more goals but it wasn’t to be.
Bobby, Spot on. My question was about england duty. My recollection was that he started 2009 great. But then played on the Wembley pitch that hadn’t bedded in and it completely buggered several senior players. He was a jewel that got done by bad management. First by LFC then by england.
Also the issue of him loosing his pace raised above. Not so sure about that. I recall he had a run from our half v Wolfsburg which sealed that hat trick. Looked fit enough.
On owing Liverpool: Owen didn’t owe pool anything after being embarrassed twice by them. He could well have gone on to do what RvP is doing now. RvP also came in with a history of injuries.
On class: So there was another player named Owen….. had curly hair…… remember him?
He got done by former club AND then again by Wembley. Michael Owen has shown since leaving that he has plenty of class, enough for LFC and us if you ask me. But if Carra keeps talking smack, maybe not for them eh.
Between the 2 Owens….. Look at who is still considered a gentleman about their tussles with fitness.
Yah, Michael Owen is alright by me. People need to respect lads who have given up everything and then fallen short. What would we be saying about Giggs or Scholes if they had packed in back in 2003-4 when they were sh*t and injured. For me, I prefer to remember all these lads at the top of their game, for what they did for us.
Look at Rio. Pallister and Bruce had horrendous issues with the lower back as well. All will be remembered as top players because the battled on. Other players just couldn’t do it. Luis Saha another magnificent player in the same mold as Michael Owen. Magnificent on his day, couldn’t stay fit to save his life.
Prefer to remember the lads in their pomp. Everyone will get old. Few enough will have the luck to do it gracefully. Especially when looked under the magnifying glass of rivalries as big as Liverpool and United.
I remember the wembley pitch crocking him but in fairness if it wasn’t there it would have been somewhere else. He attracts injuries like shit attracts flies.
Because of that I understand Owen packing it in. He’s rarely fully fit and when he is, he lasts for about 25 minutes. Given his age and back up status he’s never going to be put straight back into the team unless there is an injury crisis. Between one thing and another he hardly plays. He’s been at Stoke since September and he’s made 6 substitute appearances in the league and scored one goal which I think was a consolation. As he gets older his injuries are only going to become more frequent (if that’s possible) so the obvious thing to do is to give it up. In any case who would want him as he’s constantly crocked?
Breaking:
Greg Dyke, former director of Manchester United & current non-executive Chair of Brentford FC is set to replace David Bernstein as FA Chairman starting July 13, 2013.
Dyke was also Director General of the BBC.
http://www.thefa.com/News/thefa/2013/mar/dyke-approved-as-chairman-210313.aspx
From Wiki:
From 1997 to 1999, Dyke served on the board at Manchester United as a non-executive director, and was the sole board member to oppose a takeover bid from BSkyB, which was subsequently rejected by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.[28] When he became Director General of the BBC he admitted a “potential conflict of interest” between his new post and his current non-executive directorship at Manchester United PLC.[29] He resigned his position to avoid controversy. In a speech at the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Awards, he said “it was seen as a conflict of interest to both buy and sell football rights. My kids have never forgiven me for joining the BBC because of that.”
So Bernstein was a Blue, The new Chairman was a Red and the kids are as well. Interesting how this will play at the Council house.
Greg Dyke’s a friend of Fergie’s. That should annoy the ABU’s!
LMFAOOOOOO. I have seen that Dyke has been appointed Chairman. LOL. The conspiracy theorists must be absolutely livid today. AHHAHAHAHA. This is too good.
Slow news day?
Robin van Persie raves at UEFA for suporting Cakir in wake of an unjustified decision in the Nani sending off
http://tinyurl.com/cnmp6ey
Get in Robin!
Silly season starts:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/gossip-manchester-united-eye-dede-1766838
@denton
Silly season it’s like Christmas. It starts earlier and earlier every year.
On the brightside though we could have Dede at the back and Bebe up front.
Fletch
Don’t even remind me mate, you see how our players are affected by that horrible decision.But at least we can now focus on what is remaining, obviously Premier league is our top priority, and will do our best in FA cup, hopefully the international break goes in our favor so to speak, it would be very nice to eliminate City in Semi final:)
Feel Robin van Persie might get in a bit of hot water for his comments on UEFA and Cakir. Ha.
That’s been building up hasn’t it Robin!
Guardian just making up stuff now?!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/mar/21/van-persie-nani-uefa-cowards-madrid
We are living in a world where you will be punished, whether you are literally dismissing yourself to say the truth in public or you are speaking the truth after it has been hidden from you:-/
He won the Carling Cup for us too! Exactly only fond memories of him while in United shirt.
THE Carling Cup that saves us from a trophy-less season, not to mention