MICHAEL OWEN'S 7th HEAVEN
I can fill the Ronaldo gap, insists new United striker
Alex Ferguson goes four it | United boss starts the mind games
United boss has started mind games in bid for Pemier League record
- Alex Ferguson wants David Silva | United chase Valencia striker
- Michael Owen EXCLUSIVE | Owen would have taken £100k a week pay cut to join Liverpool
- NANI FEARS FOR UNITED FUTURE
- Nemanja Vidic's £1m-a-year rise | Manchester United secure Serbian defender
- MIKE ASHLEY HOLDS OUT FOR £100m
- DARLINGTON 2, NEWCASTLE 7
- Malaysia 2, Man United 3 | Michael Owen makes his mark
- LIVERPOOL WANT ASHLEY YOUNG
THE shirt sends shivers down the spines of Stretford Enders, misty-eyed at the thought of Best, Cantona or Ronaldo slipping on the iconic No 7.
They became terrace idols the moment the ball fell at their feet, thriving under the spotlight and turning the shirt into a status symbol.
Yesterday, it was Michael Owen's turn, pulling on the Manchester United jersey for first time and feeling that there was more to the heat than just the humidity.
"That shirt has pressures of its own and some great players have worn it in the past, but I will do it justice," claimed Owen.
He was spot on, scoring in his first game for United with a characteristic strike against a Malaysia Select XI, rounding the keeper to slot home the winner after 85 minutes.
This, undoubtedly, was the dream debut. But the true test will be over 38 Premier League games starting in August, under the microscope after his high-profile move. But this could be the start of something special.
"The manager asked me to wear the shirt. He said a player needs broad shoulders for it and he asked me if I felt I could handle it.
"I said 'yes' without hesitation. I know it represents so much. Two big players have left Manchester United in Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. There were a lot of goals in Ronaldo and I'm here to hopefully fill that gap."
Sir Alex Ferguson is counting on it, convinced that the striker can recapture the form that once earned him a move to Real Madrid.
Then, he was the fox in the box, scorer of 158 goals in 296 appearances for Liverpool and crowned European footballer of the year in 2001.
Today, at 29, the perception is that he has lost the yard of pace that saw him skim past Jose Chamot and Roberto Ayala at the 1998 World Cup on the way to scoring 40 goals in 89 appearances for his country.
There are the question marks over his ambition and the energy that took him to the very top when he was at Anfield.
Yesterday, in his first major interview since joining United, he set the record straight, finally putting his side of the story after four largely unfulfilled years at St James' Park.
"This is a big chance to show that I can do it again, to show that I can handle the pressure and the expectation," he said. "I've handled the pressure and scrutiny before and all the managers I've played under will all say I can handle it.
"It's a part of the game that brings the best out of me. I'm very proud of the fact that I've played for some of the biggest teams. I'm not even thinking about England at the moment. If I get called up again great, but if not, I'm a United player and I'll still have a smile on my face.
"The ground and the training ground are only 30-45 minutes away from where I live, so that's comfortable. This is a great opportunity. Manchester United are at the height of their powers - they are the Premier League champions. Unfortunately my time at Newcastle was disappointing for many reasons."
Tyneside came to a standstill when 20,000 supporters turned up at St James' Park when he signed for the club in August 2005, but Newcastle have been on the slide ever since. He takes his share of responsibility for relegation, accepting that some fans will point to his £16million transfer fee, the wages of £105,000 a week and wonder what they got for their money.
"At the end of the day, I can look myself in the mirror and I know that for four years I tried my best in the black and white stripes of Newcastle," he added.
"When I signed for them I was scoring goals, we were winning games and I got a hat-trick at West Ham. Everything was going well. People will always have different opinions, but all I ever did at Newcastle was to do my best when I was playing and score goals.
"Yes, I was injured for a couple of years, but it was through no fault of my own. I was, trying to score a goal (against Tottenham in December 2005) when someone landed on my foot.
"When I came back I was scoring goals again. Others will look at it and say I cost £16m and didn't play that many games. Everyone is entitled to their opinion."
This was Owen finally giving his, reminding the 50,000 supporters who fill St James' Park every week that there were other factors involved when they fell out of the top flight last season.
Snowballed
He was signed by Graeme Souness, but went on to play under Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce, Kevin Keegan and finally Alan Shearer in a turbulent spell on Tyneside.
"Newcastle was very up and down," he admitted. "I was part of a team that was not playing well, we were lacking confidence and it snowballed from there.
"There were lots of reasons. We missed lots of chances, the confidence of the team suffered, the managers changed, the players changed and the owner changed. I had some good times there, but overall it was disappointing."
Now there is no looking back, fighting for the right to play alongside Wayne Rooney at the world's biggest football club. He has been brought in with the brief to get inside the box, to get back to doing what he does best and scoring goals for one of the top teams in Europe.
"Everyone knows my best position is in the box," he added. "I have the instinct to be there, to be in the right place at the right time.
"Kevin Keegan, when he was Newcastle manager, felt that the team couldn't create enough chances so he changed the formation and made me the link man.
"I'm not sure what the manager has in mind at United yet, but I hope to have a big part to play, whether it's 10 games, 20 games or more. Preparations for a season can go up in smoke if a player gets an injury or isn't in form, but hopefully that won't be the case."
He put both issues to bed yesterday, without the need for the infamous 32-page brochure that his representatives produced when he quit Newcastle.
"In the modern age there are certain ways of doing things and in many ways I'm pleased he did it," claimed Owen.
"I wanted to get the best move possible and he has done that. At least it showed he wasn't sitting around on his backside."
Instead, Owen has landed on his feet. You can put your shirt on it.
- Michael Owen will be wearing the new Umbro Speciali boot for the 2009-10 season. For further information please visit www.umbro.com.
This article has 41 comments
He is a SCOUSER who has played for Liverpool,we do not need him.
By TheLimey. Posted August 2 2009 at 2:58 AM.
i am confidence with Michael Owen. he will learning through United, . allow him more time to development then when start this season, he will be FAB skills i know. he can be world class one day!
By michael macdonald. Posted July 25 2009 at 9:59 PM.
It's really interesting to hear what Man U fans think , but the reality is Owen has NEVER scored more than 20 goals a season at his peak with top service given
By jrf. Posted July 25 2009 at 10:21 PM.
i think owen will prove all the doubters wrong and good luck to him firgies not stupid n will get the best from him we'll win the title again
By lee. Posted July 25 2009 at 1:40 PM.
i think he is one of the most underachieved players the world over due to numerous injuries.
he is however putting himself under unnecessary pressure by comparing himself to the phenomenal cristiano.
By ishemunyoro chingwere. Posted July 25 2009 at 12:50 PM.
are u all manu? i doubt it, i think u all are scared of future. if you can't handle this one than move to another.but i'll be always red.
By roshan. Posted July 23 2009 at 1:48 AM.
man, u all are sick people.give him a chance (mo-7), he deserve better than this.anyway now he is a manu player,cheer up man!
By roshan. Posted July 23 2009 at 1:36 AM.
Michael Oewn will be class he will start scoring goals again like he did at Liverpool.
We still need some class in the midfield and with scholes and giggs getting on a bit why not spens the money from Ronaldo to buy Ashley Young, Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa.
Sell Park he is a waste of time he brings no exitement to the game he is slow, and cant score goals He is only there to create money because he is from South Korea and they buy his shirt.
He is USELESS
By MAC. Posted July 21 2009 at 4:56 PM.
Am just not sure about what owen is capable of doin bt i have a gut feelin hes gonna do Man u good n score goals assuming everythn else remain constant i trust SAF, besides owen has sometimes back had bewitchin form doncha 4get that, Milito ross from relegation n at 30 hes among the most prolific finishers. Also i believe Nani wil step up his performance n on this i can bet ma a@@ so we cant mis CR. Man mwaa
By Shano. Posted July 20 2009 at 7:12 PM.
i am a toon supporter and i say good riddence to bad rubbish owen did nothing for the toon but got a massive pay packet every week i can't understand why he has the number 7 shirt he will never play beckam football he should hang up his boots and go and play with his horses
By jacqui. Posted July 19 2009 at 8:41 PM.
Michael Owen gave the same affirmation to the Newcastle fans when he arrived that he was there to give his best and score goals - well that soon went out of the window, he always put his own ambitions for England way before his club, and it was his club that paid his salary not the other way round. It is going to be interesting to see how long it is before he is calling in the vet to see to his injured hoof or fetlock. United are welcome to him, he is a weasel anyway!
By fran. Posted July 19 2009 at 7:08 PM.
im an everton supporter and think micheal owen will bag 20 goals alongside rooney these 2 will terrorise all premiership defences without a doubt as long as owen is fit all season
By sean j. Posted July 19 2009 at 5:20 PM.
no doubt michael owen will score more goals. all he needs is feeding in the box. n he will get plenty of dat with tm like man U.
By Binod gurung. Posted July 19 2009 at 4:53 PM.
where is the most famous no7 BRYAN ROSON
By paul. Posted July 19 2009 at 4:14 PM.
Can he drible like Ronaldo,can he score freekicks like Ronaldo,does he hav the speed,confidence and strenght like Ronaldo,yet he says he can fit in.ooh,jus the way you claim u can play like A.Shearer whn u signed for New.Castle,wel pray u dnt take man.u to relegation the way u did N.castle
By Abelite,lagos,Nigeria. Posted July 19 2009 at 3:39 PM.
Well fergie to go what bo££ocks he can stay for years yet, i can see owen doing well at man unt because the players will feed him in the box & THAT is what makes man unt the best in the premiership i think it's the only club for him he will get the service & the goals, Fergie is no mug he woulden't have him if he thought he woulden't fit.
Im a villa fan living in newcastle & the club is in a nightmare but it's the clubs own fault, but im glad o'niell didn't get him LOL.
By BILL SMITH. Posted July 19 2009 at 3:25 PM.
i bet it will be the same as newcastle united cool start all talk and the no action.
I can bet my life on it.
By paul davies warrington. Posted July 19 2009 at 2:18 PM.
What the fans who hate Owen say will not matter. He is now in a competitive club and that competition will no doubt spur him to perform. With Man U, yes he can!
By NickBosire. Posted July 19 2009 at 11:53 AM.
Owen is a has been how can he compare himself to Ronaldo hes not even worthy of cleaning Ronaldos boots
funny how everytime its I will do this but Owen should look at his time everywhere hes been since Liverpool and remind us what he has achieved I think he should be retiring the sooner the better
BTW best news for Arsenal supporters I miss more than I score Adebayour is away great stuff
By satinder. Posted July 19 2009 at 11:30 AM.
Michael Owen was an unbelievably expensive disaster for Newcastle - he commuted by helicopter to the area, he always put England aspirations before the club - the same club that spent 40 million over 4 years for nothing in return . Owen had several relatively easy chances to rescue Newcastle from relegation - he missed them all - whatever the faults of the Newcastle squad and management these were one on ones and his misses. I could score 10 goals season for Man Utd but I am bitter that Owen has been given a chance he just doesnt deserve.
I am delighted we have got rid of him - I know no-one at the toon that is sad to see him go. You were never right for us - not fit to get near Shearer's boots - the irony is Big Al would have graced a Man Utd shirt........
By Joanne. Posted July 19 2009 at 11:00 AM.
i rememeber him saying years ago that he would never play for united and to give him the no7 shirt is a disgrace, only united legends have worn that shirt and to give it to a kopite reject its so wrong i will only be happy of the signing of owen when he score the winner for united at the kop end
By gaza. Posted July 19 2009 at 10:19 AM.
buying owen will be proved wrong or right as the season goes on. However i think owen hargreaves staying injury free will prove central to our success due to his composure , as the champions league final showed, there was no one in central midfield position to steady the ship when the team looked to have lost the plot, just by going one goal down.
By godfrey.N.. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:56 AM.
Ferguson to go? I can't believe what I am reading. It's an insane thing say! I wish he would go, I am a City fan and Ferguson is the main reason for United's success!
Owen will do well at United. Probably 15 goals this coming season....
By Colin Bell. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:54 AM.
hi friends i doubt owen transfer but i will go on my knees to watch him score the winner against liverpool ,com april i will be there , no have to doubt alex the grand pa because he always prooved everyone wrong , so come on u reds we all behind you sir alex
By charlie portelli malta. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:57 AM.
So Michael Owen can look in the mirror and say he tried his best for Newcastle United. Well, his best wasn't good enough and he certainly won't join a long list of great United strikers lioke Shearer, Supermac, Milburn et al.
Goodbye mercenary and I wish ManU well - I hope you get some value from the scouse.
By roy. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:42 AM.
Michael Owen is the type of player Fergie needs right now. A player who wants to prove critics wrong is better thab having 2 players who do not want to play for a club any longer.Forget Ronnaldo,forget Tevez I think Rooney Berbatov,Owen will still win you the league title again.
A Leeds Fan with lots to worry abouut!!!
By keith. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:20 AM.
owen has played for liverpool while man u fans were singing their vile hillsborough songs. how he can go and play for them is beyond me. he may score a few goals but as a man he is nothing. no respect, no dignity, just the thought of playing for england. hope the money is worth it michael.
By paul. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:20 AM.
Michael Owen scores goals where ever he goes - even at Newcastle. The boy is the best goal poacher I have ever seen - not been watching as long as willie, only since 1980 - but calling for fergies' head??? Reckon your a scouser!
Michael Owen WILL score goals for United, he has been given the chance of a lifetime, rejuvinating his flagging career, and will prove all doubters wrong.
United champions 2009/10 - four in a row!
By Paul. Posted July 19 2009 at 9:07 AM.
Has Neil Ashton never heard of Bryan Robson?
By dean hilton. Posted July 19 2009 at 7:12 AM.
SIR ALEX TO GO, ARE YOU NUTS?!!?
I'VE BEEN AN MUFC SUPPORTER ALL MY LIFE & IN MY OPINION, SIR ALEX IS NUMBER 1.
SIR ALEX PLEASE PLEASE DONT LEAVE UNITED, EVER!
-VINCENT
By vincent. Posted July 19 2009 at 6:32 AM.
I have been a red for 45 years. Fergie has been wrong a handful of times. Owen is a good move on his part, if you are a true red you will know Fergie has always rated him, so I can honestly say it was no surprise to me. I think it will work if he stays injury free. A great player to have round the box. More of yesterday please Michael and we will soon be singing your song.
By georgiegirl. Posted July 19 2009 at 6:33 AM.
whos kidding who even i can see this cannot happen and i dont even support man utd
By john hinton. Posted July 19 2009 at 6:09 AM.
This washed up striker cant dribble n he thinks he can fill Ronaldo boots, cheeky scouser!
By Simon. Posted July 19 2009 at 5:25 AM.
United fans calling for Ferguson to quit. What a pathetic bunch of mockneys.
By dave. Posted July 19 2009 at 5:29 AM.
Don't knock him just let him prove himself.
As an England fan I loved him
As a Villa fan I won't like him at least twice this season
Good luck Michael
By Peter Hensman. Posted July 19 2009 at 4:58 AM.
Well miracles do happen, an Fergie is know for bringing out the best in his players atleast those that are receptive so you never know.......Miracles do happen.....
By Vik. Posted July 19 2009 at 4:53 AM.
Honestly. Doom and gloom. He'll score goals.
End. Of. Story.
And of course he has to be injury-free to achieve that. Peter Schmeichel scored for United. Obviously he wouldn't have done if he'd been injured and not in the team. Why do people insist on stating the obvious.
All you United fans swoon over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and yet Michael Owen has had an injury-free career in comparison.
By Gazza. Posted July 19 2009 at 4:42 AM.
I have been following Manchter United since 1956. Ferguson must go in my view. He lost the plot when he signed Owen. No man is bigger than the mightly reds.
By Willlie. Posted July 19 2009 at 3:15 AM.
The guy said it himself he is now playing with players on the same wave length, and that that can only mean 1 thing goals,goals,goals, he will bag 20+ this season watch this space
By Andy Lakey. Posted July 19 2009 at 1:40 AM.
i think if he stays injury free then man u could get a good return from him.
injury free + decent service = goals me thinks
By fletch. Posted July 19 2009 at 12:35 AM.
Nice story...........but will it be a happy ending?
I doubt it ...... 5 games and out injured I guess!!!
Yashin
By Yashin. Posted July 18 2009 at 11:40 PM.