It beats me how Sir Alex Ferguson can make a decision to sign ex-England international Michael Owen for two-years deal to play at Old Trafford. No transfer was paid to former Owen’s club Newscastle United. He had been out of contract since he snubbed a new contract offer from The Magpies in December 2008. He becomes only the fourth footballer in history to played for both Manchester United and their rivals Liverpool. Last summer, I locked horn with Fergies decision to sign Dimitar Berbatov. And look, I think Berbatov signing is truly under expectation.
Here’s the deal. There is no doubt that Owen is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level. He is former European player of the Year. However, last season was arguably Owen’s worst. He missed all of the pre-season matches and training of the 2008-2009 season due to a bout of mumps. He also suffered a calf strain during the summer months which kept him out of the opening game of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a game which Newcastle drew 1–1. That’s it, he also is very injury prone, this with age probably will not get any better. Moreover, his wages are too expensive.
Well, as a united fan, I don’t expect Fergie get Ronaldo’s replacement soon. Is it a risk free signing? United need a poacher but I think Owen might not certainly that. The risk is his injury proneness. Why did Chelsea sell Robben to Real Madrid when he was on top form? Correct, his injury proneness was. Owen is no longer an explosive striker as he played for Liverpool or Real Madrid. If I were Fergie, I’d rather to bring Klass-Jan Huntelaar or Wesley Sneijder instead of signing Owen. I’d say, Owen will be just a bench warmer in Old Trafford next season. They are even chasing another continental striker such as Huntelaar.
Actually, I just hope this doesn’t impact on giving enough time to develop the raw talents like Macheda at the club. At least this is very much a “We’re not paying for anything we don’t get” scenario. Fergie has lost two young talents because of lack of match practices. They are Giuseppe Rossi and Gerald Pique. Macheda is a good stuff, he has wonderful talent but seems have no sufficient time to prove it.
But it’s already done. We can’t unring the bell. Owen has to answer it and then I’ll eat my words if he can score more than 20 goals next season. Anyway, I’ve been dreaming about Sneijder talent in Old Trafford to replace Paul Scholes’s role this season. Will he join Red Devills? Let’s see !!
I don’t have any particularly specific issue regarding Fergie’s latest signing. Today, Owen might not be the game’s best striker, but he’s still England most prolific scorer when he’s healthy. It’s indeed a risky bet, but it’s worth trying. And he’s available for free anyway.
I’ll consider it a success if he can play around 40 games in the next 2 seasons and score double-digit.
yeah… it’s gonna be much better if Owen just warms the bench as super-sub or back-up player.
i think it should be known that he was poorly managed at newcastle, as he was forced to return from injury when he wasn’t ready on multiple occasions. now he’s in a team with decent service, who knows what will happen? if it turns out he fails, utd don’t really lose out if they had paid 30 plus mil to benzema or aguero, etc. vote on how you think he’ll do here: http://thebleacherbums.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/michael-owen-to-united-has-fergie-finally-lost-it/
i mean its a risk, but a good one to take.
yes dude, as I’ve told above, I’ll eat my words if he can score more than 20 goals next season. Wish he could !!