[Week VI] Belated Article

Michael Owen
7. Michael Owen
Birthdate: 14 Dec 1979
Birthplace: Chester, England
Position: Striker
Appearances: 15
Goals: 4
Joined United: 03 Jul 2009
United Debut: 09 Aug 2009 v Chelsea (N)
International England
PLAYER

His July 2009 arrival at Old Trafford may have raised a few eyebrows, but former Liverpool striker Michael Owen is undoubtedly one of the finest goalscorers in the history of English football.

The Chester-born forward notched up more than 200 goals for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United, plus 40 goals in 89 England internationals prior to signing for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Owen burst to prominence at his boyhood side, Liverpool, where he scored on his first-team debut aged just 17. His lightning pace, untraceable movement and clinical finishing made him a Premier League revelation,

and it wasn’t long before he took the international stage by storm.

The 1998 World Cup in France was Michael’s springboard, as he scored an incredible solo goal in England’s second-round tie with Argentina. While red-carded United midfielder David Beckham became something of a scapegoat for the Three Lions’ penalty shootout exit, Owen was hailed a national hero.

His Liverpool career went from strength to strength, and in 2001 his part in the Merseysiders' triple cup haul of UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup – together with international feats including a hat-trick against Germany – earned him the Ballon d’Or and FWA Player of the Year awards.

Michael left Liverpool after eight years following the arrival of new manager Rafael Benitez, swapping countries with the new man at the Anfield helm as he moved to Real Madrid. Although he was only in La Liga for a season, Owen bagged 14 goals in 22 starts for Real before a surprise £16million move to Newcastle.

A spate of injuries underscored Owen’s career at St James’ Park, and his four seasons with the Magpies yielded only 65 starts, although he did still notch 30 goals in that time. Michael’s contract expired in the summer of 2009, at which

point Sir Alex swooped to sign the famed goal-poacher on a free transfer, offering him a two-year deal.

He got his United career off to the perfect start with a winning goal on his non-competitive debut during the 2009 Asia Tour. After coming off the bench in the 61st minute, Owen pounced on a loose ball after Giggs had been tackled in the area and coolly slotted home to secure a 3-2 win over a Malaysian XI.

And the striker topped that early in the season with a goal that instantly catapaulted him into Reds folklore – the 96th-minute winner in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in September.