Owen Ready to Take Big Chance (Football)

Michael Owen was no doubt as shocked as the rest of us when he was given the chance to sign for Manchester United.

After signing for the Premier League champions following his release from Newcastle United, Owen revealed that the first he knew of interest from Old Trafford was when Sir Alex phoned him last week.

Owen is no stranger to dressing-room pranks, so he probably thought at first that it was one of his team-mates putting on a dodgy Scottish accent.

He was probably gobsmacked when it sank in that, yes, it really is Fergie offering him the opportunity to swap relegated Newcastle for a place in his title-winning squad.

I commented on Owen’s future in a blog on the subject last week, speculating that he would probably have to settle for a club like Hull City or Stoke City if he was to remain in the Premiership.

In my defense, I don’t think anyone saw one of the big clubs, let alone the biggest of the lot, coming in for him.

I did, however, point out that Owen is not yet 30 and that it would be foolish to write him off just yet.

Sir Alex clearly, who is no mug when it comes to judging a player, clearly agrees.

The signing of Owen could turn out to be a master-stroke.

There is no doubting Owen’s quality, just his ability to stay free of injury.

The former Liverpool star underwent a stringent medical examination prior to signing for United and the results were obviously to the satisfaction of the medical staff at Old Trafford.

The move provides Owen with a superb stage on which to show what he’s capable of.

The service he will receive will be second to none which is what a natural goalscorer like him thrives on.

Owen has consistently taken his chances in the past and he’ll be doing all in his power to make the most of this chance.

All he will ask for is to be given a break on the fitness front.

Good luck, Michael, you deserve it.

–Nick Johnson, Red U.K. Editorial Staff