An Owen Goal?

Much has been written of Michael Owen’s shock transfer to Manchester United. It seems bizarre that he was linked with the likes of Stoke and Hull before moving to the Premiership champions; but it actually makes perfect sense. For Phil Brown or Tony Pulis Owen would have been a massive risk, likely to blow their wage structure and be the focal point of their side, a signing they would live or die by. At United he will be anything but; Ferguson will in all probability use him as a Solsjkaer-esque impact sub, and it’s doubtful he will start many games. With United’s huge budget and enormous wage bill he will be merely a footnote – not a risk at all.

Furthermore, Owen is the type of player who needs good players around him. Whatever anybody says, he is still a world-class finisher, and although undoubtedly his pace has waned he retains the poacher’s instinct that once made him European Footballer of the Year. At United, he will have the chance to finish opportunities created by Carrick, Rooney, Berbatov, Valencia and no doubt a couple of other close season acquisitions; with all due respect to Stoke and Hull, that’s a different ball game.

As a low risk, high impact player Owen could flourish – as his time at Newcastle showed, surrounded by mediocre players he will struggle, but at United he will once again have the chance to show what he can do amongst the very best.