Michael Owen may have only recently turned 31, but Sir Alex Ferguson still rates him very highly, and has warned off any clubs who may be aiming to snatch the former Liverpool striker from Old Trafford. Ferguson believes that Owen, who has been out with a recurring hamstring injury, picked up at Wembley in last years Carling Cup win against Aston Villa, will be back for United this season to play a big part in bringing back the Premier League trophy. The United manager had plenty to say on the matter too:
'He is looking really good. He has trained really well this week. People may have forgotten just what a good player Michael is.
'He's had a nightmare time with a bad hamstring injury but now he deserves a change of luck. If he can stay fit, I believe he has an important part to play for the club between now and the end of the season; there's no doubt about that. He still has a great engine.
'There has never been a problem with him since he came to United. He is great to have around. He conducts himself well and is a great example to the younger players.
'I know a few clubs have been thinking about him for a possible loan arrangement but it will not happen. He is definitely not going anywhere.'
The former Liverpool man may have lost some of his pace and trickery through his unfortunate knack of picking up injuries as well as his increasing age, but his finishing and eye for goal are still as excellent as ever - no doubt the reason clubs are interested in the Englishman.
So far in his United career, he has played a total of 38 times in all competitions - mostly coming off the bench, and has scored 12 goals, many of which have been very important in winning games.
Happy Christmas!
