What Ferguson and Rooney Made Of Michael Owen's Performance

Michael Owen had fifteen minutes of football today and two good opportunities to score. His first chance was ruled out for offside, which replays showed was marginal, as he burst behind the back line, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball in the right angle.

The second opportunity really should have resulted in a goal, with Rooney’s great pass on meaning Owen could be the offside trap. One on one with the keeper, he should have done better. I’d have fancied him to drop his shoulder and take the ball around.

It’s a shame he didn’t score but it’s a nice taster of what is to come.

“He’ll get his goals, no question,” said Ferguson. “I started with Wayne and Dimitar today simply because they’ve been at the club last season – they’ve been regular players and you’ve got to give them their opportunity. Michael will get his chances, there’s no question about that, and there’s plenty of games coming up in the next few weeks to give him his opportunities – and he’ll take them.”

Wayne Rooney supported his manager’s stance.

“All the fans are delighted he’s here playing,” Rooney said. “You saw his movement when he came on. He’ll take chances.”