Jim White

Who would have imagined this?

Fri Jul 03 09:39AM

Sam Allardyce wouldn't touch him with a lengthy bargepole. Fabio Capello considers him entirely surplus to requirements. At Newcastle, the accountants have been desperate to get his enormous salary off the books before it drags the whole enterprise to the bottom of the Tyne.

Just about the only interest in securing his signature this summer had come from Stoke City. And yet, provided all goes well with his medical, today Michael Owen will be joining the Premier League champions. By five o'clock he will be a Manchester United player. How on earth did that happen?

Clearly Sir Alex Ferguson is a man buying on potential here, not recent history. Over the five years of his ill-starred, injury ravaged stay on Tyneside, Owen managed just 58 Premier League starts. He arrived from Real Madrid with a reputation as one of the most potent strikers in Europe, his signing a huge coup for the club. He leaves having seen his stock fall so low there was much talk in the papers that he would give up on football altogether and pursue full time his real interest in life, racing.

So what exactly is Ferguson doing? Does he really think that a ghost of a has-been is adequate replacement for those he has lost this summer? Will Owen - averaging a goal every fourth game for Newcastle and playing about as often as Led Zeppelin - really fill the boots of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, who between them accounted for more goals in the last two seasons than Owen made appearances?

As it happens, Owen is not as old as he seems. He may seem to have been around since Methuselah was a kid, but in fact he is 29, younger than Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Nicolas Anelka. For a finisher, that is not remotely close to geriatric. True, the searing pace that used to earn him his goals has largely gone, but this is not a stupid player. He will have learned to compensate. And, with his enormous reserves of self-confidence, he will be convinced an injury-free run is all he needs to show he has it still.

Which is presumably what Ferguson sees in him. He recognises that Owen has a point to prove, a reputation to restore. Plus, he knows the player's affection for the World Cup. With the tournament to take place next summer and with the England manager wholly agnostic, Ferguson appreciates that Owen's anxiety to prove himself could serve United's cause well. The only way Owen will be on the plane to South Africa is if he has the season of his life. And the season of Michael Owen's life is something every manager would wish to have in their armoury.

Besides, Ferguson has made signings like this before. Although his preference is to buy younger players of potential - Ronaldo being the most successful example of the policy - he has recruited older players when he feels his squad needs experience. Teddy Sheringham was two years older than Owen when he went to Old Trafford in 1997 and yet Ferguson extracted 156 appearances from him (one of which was rather crucial). Henrik Larsson, meanwhile, was 35 when he came for a short loan in 2007. And Ferguson was desperate for him to stay longer.

What's more, for a club of United's resources, signing Owen on a free transfer and a largely performance-related deal involving a relatively modest guaranteed wage is not as significant a gamble as some of the ones he has had on the race course. If it comes off, it will be the signing of the season. And if it doesn't, well if nothing else it will confirm the prejudice of most United fans: they never rated him in the first place.

- - -

Jim White returns on Wednesday, July 15

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I think it's a no-brainer for all involved. Allardyce and the like weren't interested because they couldn't guarantee the fitness of a signing who would effectively have been their number 1 striker. On a two-year deal, Utd aren't signing him as a number, but as a useful (and FREE) alternative to give his main strikers a rest or if they aren't firing, plus he'll be a good influence on the Machedas and Wellbecks of the world (you hope). Fergie, ever the betting man, is probably banking on pedigree and the belief that all Owen needs is to be surrounded by better players, and as it's a World Cup year and he's on the outside looking in, Fergie knows he'll get at least 110% from the striker.
From simplysumfink on Fri Jul 03 07:41PM
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None of you got it right! SAF has signed Owen because they have something in common - RACING HORSES - perhaps SAF wants some insider information!
Anyway all the best to Owen who has been a faithful England player with many goals to his name. Let's hope that Man Utd will look after his health and let Owen return to his natural prowess and entertain us all (regardless of who we support) with his goals on MOTD!
from a Liverpool supporter
From sneezy2000_2001 on Fri Jul 03 07:49PM
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As a compromise, this is a smart move. Owen has proven skills, as well as proven lack of performance and prone to injury. The cost will be (relatively) peanuts, unless he starts to perform again, in which case I see that changing (well, it's all performance related one way or another.
::
I can't say that my expectations are very high, so we shall just have to wait and see. This is probably his last chance to cut it at the top level, so I am sure he will be motivated. Certainly, if he is part of the squad that wins any of the major trophies next year, then I will content myself with a good chuckle, and even a gratuitous dig or two at the retards ;)
From chris_bean on Fri Jul 03 07:56PM
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Omg, thought we had seen the last of this loser
From davidmcauliffe132 on Fri Jul 03 08:03PM
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Who would imagine this? Well the answer is me! I saw it coming, simply because I know that he is still quality. Fabio would of played him had he looked fit.
From whitehorn_1 on Fri Jul 03 08:13PM
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You have agree Man U can get you going!!!!!!
From whitworth.barrie on Fri Jul 03 08:25PM
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Very smart move by Fergie.
From aonunwor on Fri Jul 03 08:47PM
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Fergie is never afraid to sign older experienced players if he feels they are right and Owen could prove to be a very good signing, he is hungry, has a point to prove and is a proven goal scorer, Fergie will get the best out of him and if he can get a good partnership with Rooney it could benefit England as well
From segmentrecords on Fri Jul 03 09:11PM
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For those doubting the stats, go to the official epl site, all player stats are listed in their fantasy football game.
Tevez 1858m, 5 goals & 3 assists
Owen 1898m, 8 goals & no assists.
Pretty much the same, yet Owen is a freebie. Maybe SAF is right after all?
From twomjc on Fri Jul 03 09:32PM
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my impression of United being loosers strengthens every day.
you plan winning premiership and champions league without Tevez and Ronaldo, hoping Owen can help? what the &*^%$ on your mind sir Alex?
From monadire_contact on Fri Jul 03 09:54PM
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from time to time Jim White has referred to SAF as the "Best Manager in the World" and now Jimbob is
telling the Great Master where he's going wrong etc., etc. Does Jimmy really think that he knows better than
his organ-grinder ..or maybe...he's writing to orders, he's always run with the fox and the hounds in my book.
From peteric on Fri Jul 03 10:11PM
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Owen's recent track record's miserable appearance is without question down to the quality of ball he was getting at Newcastle, and his injuries.
There is zero doubt in my mind that if Owen plays in a team like manU - who built their title-winnings ways of late around mechanical, nigh unstoppable ball-movement - he will get the ball and he will score more consistently than anelka. He and Rooney could front a lethal attack provided alex has made good choices on his wingers-to-be. Time for Nani to step up! Time for Valencia to shine!
From rikmicp on Fri Jul 03 10:13PM
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Owen's recent track record's miserable appearance is without question down to the quality of ball he was getting at Newcastle, and his injuries.
There is zero doubt in my mind that if Owen plays in a team like manU - who built their title-winnings ways of late around mechanical, nigh unstoppable ball-movement - he will get the ball and he will score more consistently than anelka. He and Rooney could front a lethal attack provided alex has made good choices on his wingers-to-be. Time for Nani to step up! Time for Valencia to shine!
From rikmicp on Fri Jul 03 10:19PM
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Macheda and Welbeck need experience, Owen could be a good teacher!
From seddik21 on Fri Jul 03 10:21PM
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big head big history everyone as difference of opinion no one will complane if owen scores the winner for england in the world cup final after agood season with utd dreams sometimes come true emkd08
From emkd08 on Fri Jul 03 10:21PM
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WELL SAID NIKYATES!! i STILL CANT BELIEVE THIS LITTLE NO MARK IS AT MY CLUB , IRREGARDLESS OF THE FREE TRANSFER. mATTER OF FACT EVEN IF HE WAS PAYING US TO GET A GAME I STILL WOUDNT LET HIM ANYWHERE NEAR OUR KIT!!! HE IS LESS THAN USELESS, DOESNT HAVE A GOOD TEAM ETHIC N HAS BOUGHT INTO ALL THE HYPE THAT HAS SORROUNDED HIM FROM YOUNG N THINKS HE IS BETTER THAN HE IS! I LOVE UNITED BUT WONT BE SENDING ANY SUPPORT TO THEM WHILE THIS WASTER IS HERE. DUNNO IF I CAN RECOVER N STILL SUPPORT MAN U EVEN WHEN OWEN LEAVES....THATS HOW INSULTED I AM!!!
From jah2fox on Fri Jul 03 10:32PM
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Pleasure to comment on your wise copy,[I used to be a lick and stick pre-press artist in St.John's St. in the 1980s]. United have always needed a figure head player since the Law, Best and Charlton era. They all were cheap additions to their squad. This is a gamble, but intelligently selected, using a rotation system the boy Owen may do the biz.
Paul Huntbatch
From paul.huntbatch on Fri Jul 03 10:34PM
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real madrid ruins every player
From graceleeyinhui on Fri Jul 03 11:25PM
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No. 5, point made, and that is a fact!
From alimaliyu on Sat Jul 04 12:06AM
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take a little minute and think about it... in an unbiased fashion. Look at other strikers and how they perform under different managers, Nikolas Anelka.... cracking season for chelsea... was not up to scratch for man city. Its a gamble yes, but one that manchester united can definately afford. The way i remember it rafa showed him the door, when he doesnt "like" a player (robbie keane) there done for... hes not a traitor, hes a professional footballer who has cracking ability (just look at his real madrid hit rate even as a sub without injuries). When you have no clear cut oppurtunities and your pushing yourself your going to get hurt alot. I say good luck to him, he deserves it, no matter what side you support, thats coming from a scotsman.
From hundred_percent_proof on Sat Jul 04 12:46AM
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I think Fergie thought this for a long time. Owen is not the Owen we know anymore, however here are a few points worth consider.
1)English Player -- under the European new rule, you need to have home grown talent (from home nation or trained by club from age 17-21) register with UEFA on Champions League. They just lost CR7 which he was trained with the club since he was 17. Gibson, Martin plus few other youngsters may leave or go out on loan, so United need an English player.
2) Bench Warmer -- Let say United could get Carlos to sign a new contract, he is going to be a bench warmer, the different between Owen and Carlos is the work rate, but when the chance come to their feet, the % is the same.
3) Pay as you Play -- Refer to my second point, if United do sign Carlos, they will have a very expensive bench warmer, but in Owen, you pay alot less to him with a much shorter contract and I am sure Sir Alex got that in mine and hopefully Owen can be half successful as H.Lasson.
4) World Cup year -- Owen would like to be on the plane heading to the World Cup next June, so he would be working his socks off to get into that plane, Sir Alex will surely get the best out of him, there will be no losser apart from Owen.
5) Who can United buy -- I think everyone is heading for the Spainish Sun, so all United can get will be the next level down, its nothing you can do, dont get me wrong I am a huge United fan only live from OT for 15 mins walk, but for spending nothing on an England international, whatever the outcome, it is aother good business from Fergie.
Thanks for reading.
From nikedigital on Sat Jul 04 01:25AM
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let owen inject lambs liver into his limbs da muppet HA-HA!!!
From leonleniston on Sat Jul 04 01:27AM
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gerrard did ask RB to sign owen..heskey did mention he would like to partner owen at villa..that man still got something to show.
From khairunnajo on Sat Jul 04 03:57AM
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Gerrard is more man than Owen? Don't forget that he once wanted to leave Liverpool for Chelsea because of their lack of trophies. Do not expect any top players to be "loyal" in your club when they can't win anything with you. Once again Fergie does the unexpected, but yet maybe proven effective. When Madrid spends more than 130 mil pounds just for two players, United bought "only" a Wigan player and one free agent. That is the difference when manager and club president does a transfer.
From lucasp1589 on Sat Jul 04 04:35AM
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Good luck owen Good move SAF
From wavjjm on Sat Jul 04 07:29AM
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Owen is capable of being the difference for UTD - he is a form player if he stays fit then as UTD play so many games they can play himn into form. He will start some league games & Champions league games but finish many. Also great for Macheda & Welbeck - Ole & Owen to learn from!
From storm4ce1 on Sat Jul 04 07:38AM
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I believe he knows what he is doing,. I also think he is lining up a backup for Owen, the question is who.
From purp_dino on Sat Jul 04 03:22PM
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i hate to say it but fergie is a genius again, i think the service owen will get at utd conpaired to newcastle will soon show. i would not be suprised if owen hits 30 goals and ends up the world cup golden boot winner because fergie knows how to look after his players. Owen has a point to prove and i think he will prove himself again.
From kettlekad on Sat Jul 04 03:42PM
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desperate days at man u
From ken.alty on Sat Jul 04 04:31PM
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owen and rooney..watch out
From richiesweetman on Sat Jul 04 05:09PM
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