Staying power

Friday, 03/06/2011

Michael Owen has been a bit-part player at Manchester United – yet he's signed on at Old Trafford for another year.

Dogged by injury and then kept out of the side – and not always on the bench – by the emergence of Javier Hernandez, the former England striker made enough appearances to pick up a Premier League winner's medal.

But can he really be satisfied with just a handful of starts in all competitions? Hardly likely! So why has Owen decided to stay with Sir Alex Ferguson?

The manager has said he will try to get the striker more games next campaign. Of course there are no guarantees, there never are in football.

If he could stay fit, Owen would be a first choice at most other Premier League sides. Certainly outside of the top four he'd be on that team sheet pretty early on.

Now 31, his England career now appears to be over. Sadly injuries took their toll and then Fabio Capello quite simply didn't ever look like picking the player.

Forty goals in 89 games means he is still England's fourth top scorer of all-time, nine short of the best set by Bobby Charlton.

There is no doubt that a fit Owen would have set a new record over the past few years had he been given his chances.

His pace isn't there any more but his experience, uncanny positioning and natural finishing abilities are still there.

Maybe his skills are no longer good enough for the national side. But Michael Owen is certainly better than a bit-part player at Manchester United.

*Would you have Michael Owen in your side? Should he have stayed at United? Give your views...

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