New Manchester United striker Michael Owen admits he leapt at the chance to join the Barclays Premier League champions after a surprise phone call from manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 29-year-old, whose contract with relegated Newcastle expired at the end of June, has signed a two-year deal at Old Trafford. Owen's poor injury record over recent years which blighted his spell at St James' Park was thought to be a major factor in the unwillingness of most of England's top clubs to consider taking him on a free transfer.
With the likes of Hull and Stoke publicly declaring their interest in the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player it seemed Owen was destined to have to accept a substantial drop in both wages and the standard of football which he craved. In fact, his advisors he had just begun negotiations with a number of interested parties before a surprise phone call from Ferguson changed the outlook on everything.
"I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me," Owen told MUTV.
"I agreed without a moment's thought. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.
"I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from day one. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances."
Comment 1 - 10 of 10
Owen is a money grabbing bast---. Hope he shows just what he is at man u, That is rubbish.
i think there is more chance that his legs seize up
well done fergie!..liverpool would never have signed him but there's def legs left in him at the right team and fergie saw that...what a coup...plus liverpool desperatly need a joint striker.......well done for starting the mind games early...
Comment No 3, George! u're absolutely right, so what did Liverpool get last season???? Still behind MUFC ok. Instead of saying something bad about owen, I think u'll "bring some bad luck" to the club u support, coz u're the type of person leaving in the "Ancient history". Ha....Ha...
its not just his big chance , its his last!!!
kingsley o u make no sense..why waste our time with your words...nobody understands them
George dont forget you may lose 2 or 3 value players plus owen will be one of the top scorers for utd this season
Owen last season played with a club that ende up getting relegate. This year he'll bring some bad luck to Man United too. As for Liverpool, don't forget they've got a new and improved goal machine in Torres and co. The club was the highest scoring in the PL last year and may yet be again, winners too.
"Rooney slides the ball through to Owen, he rounds Reina - in front of the Kop - GOAL!!" Sweet!!
Sir Alex ferguson has toch my feelings for good, i hadly favour him in my comment but this time he deserve more than words can say by signing own. This guy is a tilent who just coulddn't find his feet but needed someone to encourage in good spirit that Sir Alex had done! I read a alot of negative reaction from the left side, yes , you can't alway please all in decision making.Though i be a Real Madrid fan and someone may think other wise but the truth is i love when someone do ordinary thing to save the good. Sir Alex, just knew Owen was too good to be throw out of star's group and decided to give him a chance, that was kind a enough. May that gesture be pay for even as i wish Man united great seasons ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account