Thank You For The Memories Michael Owen: Once A Red, Always A Red

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Spanish giants Real Madrid for £80 million in summer 2009, some pundits predicted that United would sign a world class player to inherit the no. 7 shirt. Nonetheless, Sir Alex Ferguson unexpectedly swooped for Michael Owen, who had just been relegated to the Championship after a disastrous campaign at Newcastle United.

It’s certain that Owen’s record at United is nothing out of this world (he played 51 times scoring 17 goal in three seasons), but he will always be warmly remembered by his professionalism and appreciation showed towards the club he was a member of. Something truly remarkable considering he played during eight years for Liverpool where he was once considered a legend.

At the end of the last season, Owen unveiled that wasn’t being offered a new contract. A piece of news which hardly came as a surprise, bearing in mind the Chester-born striker had only featured four times during his last season with the Red Devils. 

Owen decided to continue his career with Stoke City, but once again, his season is being plagued with injuries, as he has only featured 7 times so far, scoring one in the process. It’s hard to imagine what the 2001 Ballon D’Or Winner could have achieved if he hadn’t been so prone to injuries during his successful career.

The injury-time winner at the famous 4-3 win at Old Trafford at the expense of Manchester City, a match voted by fans as the best ever in the Premier League, will always remain in United fans hearts, but above all we will always remember the man itself. Michael Owen summarized its time as a United player in his farewell: “I have loved every minute of the 3 years I have spent at such a fantastic club”.

Writer: Juan Manuel @theredinsider