Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
Out-of-contract striker Michael Owen has reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United for another season.
The 31-year-old has clearly enjoyed his time at the club and remains hungry to still be playing at Old Trafford next season, being involved in a squad challenging once again for trophies.
“I have loved every minute,” Owen said during the club’s title-winning victory parade in Manchester on Monday.
“We have great players, great staff, a great manager and great fans. Hopefully it can continue.”
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker joined United surprisingly on a free transfer in July 2009, signing a two-year deal which expired at the end of the season.
With top strikers such as Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez ahead of him in the pecking order at Old Trafford, Owen has had to be content with mostly cameo appearances over the last 2 seasons.
He has made 48 appearances for United, with 33 of those coming off the bench, and has scored 14 goals with the last of those coming in our final league game of the season at home to Blackpool.
Although he has only played a small part in our 19th league title this season, last season he played a major part in our Carling Cup win scoring in the final and of course scored a sensational winner in our 4-3 derby win over Manchester City.
Owen, who started just one Premier League game for United this season, will find it as tough next season should Danny Wellbeck and Federico Macheda as expected come back into the fore next season.
Despite being a brilliant professional and a well-liked part of our squad, it would perhaps be abit of a backward step if Owen is handed a new contract next season.
Although he would be happy to be involved with us and would not create any agro behind the scenes in wanting to play more,
I think it’s vital that Kiko and Wellbeck get a real chance next season. The two of them have alot of potential and whether they can be good enough long-term at us, they deserve a chance that their talent fully justifies.
That being said, should Owen be handed a new contract for next season I would trust Sir Alex Ferguson’s judgement that the former England-hitman could still do a good job for us when required to do so.
By Adam Dennehey – @ADennehey87
