I can’t distinctly point out the moment when Michael Owen’s transition from a chooser to a beggar began. It was probably the time he broke his metatarsal in 2005.
I can’t distinctly point out the moment when Michael Owen’s transition from a chooser to a beggar began. It was probably the time he broke his metatarsal in 2005, when playing for Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspurs.
Or maybe it was during the World Cup match against Sweden in 2006 when he injured his right knee. After that injury, he was out of the game for over one year, resulting in a club-versus-country battle and approximately 10 million pounds paid in compensation by the FIFA and FA to Newcastle.
Michael didn’t quite set St James’ Park on fire even after his return to the game, despite the rapturous welcomes he kept getting from the loyal Magpies fans. He was way below average last season, where the club was relegated from the Premier League.
England coach Fabio Capello had further dented the striker’s confidence, making clear to him that he was not part of the Italian’s plans.
Michael, a one-time football prodigy, seemed all but destined for oblivion. A player one-time on the wishlist of Real Madrid, now unwanted by any big clubs. In fact, last month there were reports that his management company Wasserman Media Group had sent out a 34-page brochure advertising Michael to several potential clubs, so desperate was Michael for a chance at top flight football again.
But all that’s changed in the last 48 hours. Michael has suddenly pushed Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid off the front page of newspapers. Everything happened over breakfast and coffee with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Reports say that Ferguson told Michael he wanted him at Old Trafford. Michael, not believing his luck, didn’t even need a moment to think before saying yes.
And now, here he is, a 29-year-old, written off by everyone, ready to don those boots for the Premier League champions. He signed a two-year deal with the option of a third year after passing medical tests in Manchester on Friday.
Since his contract with Newcastle ended this year, Michael cost Manchester United nothing. He is even willing to take a salary cut (he was paid 120,000 pounds a week at Newcastle), with the option of bonus payments, depending on his success at the club.
Michael’s sounding keener than ever. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances,” he said.
And Ferguson seems optimistic too, despite many calling his decision a mistake. “Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question,” Ferguson said. How will this partnership work? Will Ferguson work his magic and revive Michael Owen’s career again? I can’t wait to find out.
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