ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United

Posted by Mark Payne on 07/03/2009

You can take it as red that Sir Alex Ferguson is now back off his holiday, working hard and probably slightly miffed. He has been tracking Benzema since he was a scratch in his daddy’s pants and would have been furious that the Lyon striker signed for Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The age of our squad is very good at the moment but, and it is a big but, you only need to have a peek at Arsenal’s fortunes last season to realise that proven experience needs to be added. I think that United are likely to win the league again in 2011/12 when the team will be something like - Foster, Da Silva x 2, Hargreaves ,Vidic, Nani, Rio, Rooney, Macheda, Wellbeck, Berbatov - in the meantime, we could face a fallow period.

Ferguson wants to bring in some quality to oversee this transition and had his hopes built up high for Benzema. So was Michael Owen Plan B or just a reactionary flutter?

I think a little of both. Owen came up through the ranks in the Northwest so it is pretty safe to say Fergie has known about him since the get-go. At zero pounds and zero pence a proven international goalscorer does represent fairly good value for money.

But there is something about this that could be quite delicious. Owen has been completely written off, barge-pole sales are at an all time low as people will not even touch him with one of those. But he has talent, bags of it, and a big point to prove too.

United have signed players who were seemingly finished before and got the best out of them. This, should it come to pass, will not reshape the future of the club but it can only be a good thing to have Macheda and Wellbeck training with Owen and learning how he makes runs and gets into position.

Once again, Ferguson has surprised us. Can’t wait to see what he does next.

Comments

Posted by VeryRed on 07/03/2009

I think this might turn out to b a master stroke.
I metioned this move earlier. Even Rooney can learn a lot from Owen.

Shock yes, but I think we just added 10 goals minimum to our season's haul.

Posted by Roger Narine on 07/03/2009

Try to sign Javier Saviola and Ronaldo. They would be the perfect experience for the young team..Their prices shouldn't be that high either.

Posted by bobbibbo on 07/03/2009

i think is good decision if owen made to united..he is in right hand to make him comeback like owen we known before and this is good news to english national team too......i hope owen soon as possible to be united player...

sorry if my english writing is bad

Posted by Carboman on 07/03/2009

My thoughts exactly. Remember Teddy Sheringham? Now if Owen can stay relatively injury free, who knows?

Posted by dr.olajide olusina on 07/03/2009

man united should sign hunteelar and arjen robben, i'm sure madrid will be interested in selling at a good price. also, all hope should not be lost on ribery signing.losing ronaldo may be bad, but failing to bring in quality replacements will be disastrous!.fergie, act before its too late!.

Posted by Baz on 07/03/2009

Another cunning, shrewd move by SAF. Nothing negative aboout this when it costs you nothing and you have a pay for play arrangement . Owen may have had a bad few years, but as the 4th highest England goal scorer he will bring a wealth of experience to the front and I guarantee he and Rooney will strike up a great understanding between them. But best of all Man U can now play football the way they have always played the game in years gone by. Owen does not need to keep falling down in the penalty area trying for an undeserved penaly nor will he cry everytime someone touches him. Welcome Michael Owen, good riddance CR who is now in good company with the other diver Robbens at Real Madrid

Posted by Ssonko on 07/03/2009

Owen to United it's a dream move for me and i belive Fergie is the right person to Manage Owen just like Giggs i see him as the top scorer next season

Posted by Smokey on 07/03/2009

Why does everyone think United needs Ribery, or even Benzema. Take a step back from the seemingly gaping hole left by Tevez and Ronaldo. Yes they will be missed, but:

1) United has many players in the wings (no pun intended) who will step up to the plate and stake their claim in the side. These players will not whine as much and will work hard for team before self.

2) Oh no, Tevez has gone. Now we only have Berbatov and Rooney, with Wellbeck and Macheda on the bench (plus maybe Owen). The sky is falling! (Sarcasm)

Posted by Jasperyeap on 07/03/2009

Why buy owen?but its ok...since he has a history of goalscoring...but Ferguson should buy Van Der Vaat and Saviola

Posted by Deadwood on 07/03/2009

SAF is the master of keeping the squad balanced. The possible coup of signing Owen will prove to be a master stroke. Is also great as my Liverpool mate who has his son named after owen will now have to change allegiances to a good team.

Posted by Ridwan Utd on 07/03/2009

man utd + owen = glory glory man utd

Posted by IBRAHIM UMAR BABANGIDA on 07/03/2009

Give credit to visionary manager like SAF,the world has written off Michael Owen,but Sir Alex has confidence in him and recruited him to play for the greatest team in the world. I know he will make it at old trafford. WELCOME OWEN

Posted by john bailey palm beach florida on 07/03/2009

further to my earlier suggestions i make the following observations.it appears that the signing of the winger from wiganis a good move and under the guidance of giggs could turn out to be a real coup.the signing of owens could be astroke of short term brilliance. the defence with all the available talent does not concern me what causes me fits is the seeming reliance on berbatov as the playmaker.as i stated before he needs aswift kick in the ass and get to work

Posted by john bailey palm beach florida on 07/03/2009

Posted by zayad on 07/03/2009

Oba Martins hv great pace, strengh, good shot power and big head. Y not loan him on trial?

Posted by Frustrated on 07/03/2009

it seem manchester had lost their capable forward player and it look like next season this team forward abit shakky. Ask yourself, with only rooney, owen, berbatov & macheda, do you think manchester can able to win the european champion league? Or can Manchester united able to beat with greatest team like chelsea, arsenal, real madrid or barcelona?

Posted by Francis on 07/03/2009

Dont think Sir Alex is reading any of this.We can discuss and give feedback.But i dont think, ESPN Soccernet voices are ever heard by each club.

If only they can prove us wrong on this.

Yes, Sir Alex, we know you are the manager and a masterclass on your own, but sometimes we hope you can just ponder and read some of the supporters suggestions.

For experience;
Should explore Ronaldo from AC Milan

For Star Players - Abrahamovic from Inter, Fabiano the Brazilian.Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero or even Arjen Robben.

More Hitman like Roy Keane - Bastian Schweinsteiger from Germany.

One More Keeper - Since Man Utd has the funds , Buffon from Juventus.

Thats my take

Posted by baba-ali on 07/03/2009

very wise move kudos 2 d man again sir alex he always know wat is ritew 4 d club.

Posted by Burki on 07/03/2009

Win Win situation, no cost to United and if he can get back to form we'll do well. For Owen a chance to form a striker partnership with Rooney just in time for next years World Cup. Bring it on.

Posted by nathan on 07/03/2009

Tevez does not leave a gap. Valencia fills Ronaldo's. Berbatov to shine -again- next season. Rooney to stay in the midfield where he belongs. Macheda, Owen, and -TBD- will partner Berba. Our real problem is our a holding midfielder, which we lack. I'd like to get Schneijder to replace Scholes and someone like De Jong to replace Mrs. Carrick.

Posted by Jon on 07/03/2009

Well well well. Back in 1998 (yes that was ages ago), I was watching Michael Owen on telly, banging goals in for Liverpool, and I never knew that more than a decade on he'd even consider coming to United.
Short of wishing that were he at United, he'd turn the clock back ten years, I do hope that he stays at least relatively injury-free, and finishes off all the chances created by Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, Berbatov and company.

Posted by jacky on 07/03/2009

I think there's a good chance that the move will benefit both parties. Who would not benefit from a manager like SAF? With that in mind, there's actually no limit to Owen's contribution as a Red Devil.

Posted by Ahmed Pahad on 07/03/2009

There's an old saying that goes ... "Form is temporary, but class is permanent." Michael Owen oozes with class, i think Man United is a different proposition to Newcastle united. At Man United he is assured of a better quality supply from midfield as well as a better strike partner in Rooney and Berbatov. His injury record however is a concern. I still think that Man Utd need to bring in 1 more world class striker, i'm hoping for Huntelaar whos is also a class act as well as a lethal finisher. Macheda and Wellbeck are not yet ready for full seasons of first team action so they can be phased in slowly.
i also think we need 2 or 3 more midfielders with a bit of "flair" or "flamboyancy" to inject some much needed sparks into the midfield. Park, Anderson,Scholes and Giggs are just not giving us a spark to sparkle.
I'd love to see Arjen Robben come in or maybe even Morten Gamst Pedersen. Any chance we can convince Ronaldinho to come provide some Flamboyancy to our play?

Posted by marims on 07/03/2009

If Owen can stay injury free, it can turn out to be a good gamble worth taking. I have always been an admirer of Owen ever since the 1998 Word cup in France when he burst onto the world scene like a meteorite.I would like to see him Man U Red colours. Everybody knows Owen is goal threat.If he is physically fit, people and more so football fans should know there very few Owens in this world.At madrid they know better where he scored almost 20 goals in his first season coming on the pitch for about 20 minutes each game he played. i don't still remember the number of few games he played at Madrid.

Posted by Olukunle on 07/03/2009

I'd actually thought SAF would have gone for Owen last year. Something tells me there's is an unfulfilled passion waiting to explode in him which the classy bunch in manu will ignite. For God's sake he still managed 10-goals in a bad year with a sloppy bunch at Newcastle, that's better than some others in their best years! Personally, i'm not too crazy with all the big money hype over the place, with many clubs over-valuing players. If i'm the President of a club & I spend $40m-$80m on a player, such player MUST score at LEAST 40-goals annually or I'll either kill him or myself before 1st year runs out...no player is worth all the cash, he is only 1-player. What matters is the strength & depth of squad to go through the rigors of top flight football season when the going gets tough or when the chips are down-that was the crowning glory of Manu last year & then even only just...they still lost the European Final. Good move SAF

Posted by roy and serzie on 07/03/2009

Owen is a reletively good signing if he can stay injury free. lets hope for the best next season.. who knws, it might be Owen the savior!

Posted by GloryGlory on 07/03/2009

We need to rely on defense to look like a sparkling side again. Lay down a pretty penny in negotiations for sergio ramos and let our boys up front fall back on our rock solid backfield. Evra (with rooneys help), rio, vidic, ramos. Sure we have berba and of course rooney but why is everyone stuck on welbeck and macheda? if we add owen think of how quickly he'll bring players like nani and valencia up to speed. nani has real potential, mark my words.

Posted by marims on 07/03/2009

Posted by mas raja on 07/03/2009

manu buy many player no problem but can win next season....i know manu best the best in worl club..conti.....

Posted by Matt on 07/03/2009

Where is the creativity going to come from? Who is going to be the go to player when the stakes are high? Buying Owen and Valencia has answered neither of those two questions and it seems to me there will be increased pressure as the season progresses for Wayne Rooney to act as the savior of the club.

There really needs to be more support in the middle. Hopefully Carrick can shore up the back and let Hargreaves and Anderson play more true to form. Xavi and Iniesta OWNED us in the CL final. Is there a response? Do we need one? SAF's moves raise more questions than answers.

Posted by leo on 07/03/2009

i feel it's a good move , shows the shrewdness of Sir Alex.Let him try buying Gabriel Agbonlahor,David Silva,Diego Capel(a younger player like Cristiano Ronaldo and can succeed Ryan Giggs) and Arjen Robben .

Posted by Wilson Ho on 07/03/2009

I think its a brillian move to sign owen. owen who is down and out, got a sudden life line from sir alex and he will go all out to repay sir alex and to prove his critics wrong. and with sir alex guidiance i am sure he can be revived to the good old days (provided he is injury free) since he is already such a talent without a good coach like sir alex.

Posted by zuzu on 07/03/2009

i feel this move is only good for one thing, i.e giving experience to the young forwards like macheda and welbeck, although if my short term memory is correct, rossi was a very good player too but released or sold by SAF to Villereal. So I wouldnt bank too much hope on those two youngsters to do well for Man U. More likely than not, Owen will be too injury prone to prove anything except to tell bedtime stories to macheda and welbeck on the hospital bed. I fear for United's championship drive this season, this 2 seasons of rebuilding will see much suffering for us Red Devils' supporters.
Giggs,Scholes,Neville and Van dey sar about 2 centuries added up. hargreaves returning from injury, albeit not sure when. anderson not enough mettle to him, carrick too slow in tracking back, not enough back up to rooney and berbatov, park all brawn and not enough finesse,nani living in shadow of his portuguese compatriot, vidic showing signs of a jaap stam syndrome, evra looks likely to be out often.

Posted by gmnu on 07/03/2009

francis ur an idiot.
you say...

For experience;
Should explore Ronaldo from AC Milan(doesn't play there and sucks now anyway)

For Star Players - Abrahamovic from Inter(doesn't show up when it matters), Fabiano the Brazilian(actually not a bad idea).Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero (another not bad idea) or even Arjen Robben(plays 1 out of five games).

More Hitman like Roy Keane - Bastian Schweinsteiger from Germany(um, not a defensive mid,hes a winger, so nothing like good ole Roy).

One More Keeper - Since Man Utd has the funds , Buffon from Juventus (Bufoon will never leave Juventus unless its for 100 mil)

so two good ideas out of like 8. God hope SAF doesn't read your comment

Posted by EASY on 07/03/2009

Whoa! Comment by UTD fan about OWEN is so funny..If it was of their main rivals (Arsenal, Chelsea,Liverpool or even City)that signed Owen,none of you fan will ever call it a good signing! I am sure you would have called them jokers for signing a injury prone player.

All of a sudden UTD sign him and every single UTD fine is almost sure it will be a success! Wonder's will never end! Good luck UTD, bring on The new Season..

Posted by vikash on 07/03/2009

I believe we should not doubt SAF at all. He's the master, been there and done it for the past almost 3 decades now. If he resurrected the careers of Sheringham & Cantona, I'm 100% sure Owen will go on to become one of his best signings. Don't forget Owen has an unquestionable and proven goal scoring record despite not having had the game time like Ronaldo & Rooney alike in the past few seasons. Man Utd lost CR and obviously he had to be replaced by 2 players (a Winger & a Striker). They've got both now and all they need is a replacement for Tevez. SAF's french target would do I guess if he can provide 20 goals in addition to Owen's goals. Owen has been given a lifeline with the approaching World Cup so I'm sure he would not let the chance go begging considering he is approaching he end phse of his footballing career. If Owen stays fit, I'm sure there will just be two winners at the end of the season...Owen & Man Utd! I can't wait for the season to begin. Glory Glory Man United!

Posted by vikash red devil for life on 07/03/2009

Posted by Akun Donald on 07/03/2009

Yes the whole world is amazed once again,SAF is always a man of his own like taken people unaware as a coach l respect his decision and also as one of the most long serving coach in english premiership he knows what is good for MAN U and let us not forget owen only has problem with injury which if it did not disturb him l see him making a good season at old traford

Posted by Shimo on 07/04/2009

Am not the least bit surprised with the move. It makes sense. United pay him if he plays/scores otherwise they pay little. In training you've got a player that young players can learn from.

I believe Fergie did not get his first choice options of Benzema and probably thought Tevez would sign but, think with Owen, if fit, may surprise quite a few. Especially since WC is next year, I think Owen will have a lot of personal motivation to prove himself.

I think Fergie is just getting started and not having spent on a forward - he can focus his energies on a strong defensive midfielder. I really wonder what the deal with Hargreaves is - we haven't heard if he'll be ready or not. Maybe he isn't going to be and thats why - United are in the hunt for a tough tackling midfielder, maybe not advertising it, the prices won't get loaded.

Posted by ksm on 07/04/2009

Good for United and bad for liverpool.SAF is a genious and he knows what he is doing.Owen is still 29 and he can score many goals for MU.Micheal is my all time favourite liverpool and England player.If Rafa can think like SAF,it will be very good for LFC.Now,its too late.If he buy owen ,no one will accuse him because owen is on free transfer and it will cause nothing to the club and it is worth to gamble.Now it is already finished.best of luck for Micheal Owen.

Posted by Unitedoooaahhh on 07/04/2009

Francis, you really think Ronaldo @ milan is a better pick-up for united then a FREE Owen? Ronaldo is 33 and is out of his prime, he wouldn't last 10 games in the premiership. And, Abromavich is the owner of Chelsea, he doesn't play for Inter.

This is a Win-Win for United, they get a proven goal scorer for free.

Posted by b on 07/04/2009

gmnu ur an idiot...

For experience;
Should explore Ronaldo from AC Milan(doesn't play there and sucks now anyway)

I don't think there's many strikers around with the experience of Ronaldo unless you missed the word experience. He may not be what he used to be but that isn't much different than Owen (just as much if not more injury trouble than Owen).

Posted by manutdfan on 07/04/2009

now i just cant wait for owen to score against the scousers!

Posted by michael on 07/04/2009

I have many reservations about owen's signing, but it also to some extent reminds me of Henrik Larsson. Bring in an old head to provide experience and, hopefully, goals when they are needed in the games against weaker sides. I don't particularly like Owen, but i can see him playing that role, scoring goals when the likes of Rooney and Berbatov need to be rested, so they can be fully fit for the big games where more class is required.
The strikers for sale this season were way too overpriced. The one i would've preferred would be Gignac, top scorer in France last term, and likely to be ok with playing a supporting role in his first season at OT.
I think we need to get rid of Brown and Neville, bring in another good right back to tide us over until Rafael is good enough. Also worried about defensive midfielder as Hargreaves doesn't look likely to return anytime soon. We have plenty of pacy wingers, and now with Owen we have enough strikers. Anderson will improve as
Scholes winds down.

Posted by Nazir on 07/04/2009

Hoping the treatment tables at Old Trafford and Carrington don't form into a permanent Michael Owen-shaped mould due to constant weight and pressure

Posted by Tego (Mauritius) on 07/04/2009

I have no hate nor love for LFC and I have always been indifferent to their success or failure. But I was a fan of Michael Owen except when he played against us. Whether injured or not, he is a gentleman on the field, never whines to call for undeserved penalty as CR7. He plays with his heart for his club. As his fan , I welcome him to our midst. Anyway, SAF is the world best manager and all fans should have confidence in his good intentions which he has been displaying for 2 decades!!!
Rest assured that Owen's signing is not SAF's last move!
Long live Owen! Long live SAF! Long live Man U!
With love to all fans from Mauritius

Posted by touch.an.iPod on 07/04/2009

Sir Alex has made a masterstroke of sorts when signing what is arguably my favorite player (together with a certain Thierry from Barcelona) in the Football Manager games...

Michael is only 29 and still has several years ahead of him in the game, provided he stays fit... With a guy who is no. 4 in the all-time English goalscoring charts, Michael can be a really good buy for ManUnited (costing zero pounds!)... Now, let's hope for both Michael and Wazza, together with Berba, to dazzle the opposing defenses and get a couple of goals for the Devils...

Glory glory Man United!

Posted by toonfan on 07/04/2009

get him off our wage bill.
despite the ludicrous amount of money newcastle paid him, he never looked like wanted to be there.
fair enough if he didn't want to play for the moron in charge of the club, but the "performances" when we needed players of his caliber to fire at the end of last season were a slap in the face of the fans.
good riddance to a gun for hire.

Posted by Stidham on 07/04/2009

I would like to welcome Mickey with arms wide open! There is still plenty of juice and goals in the tank. He's a great lad and awesome player who will fit nicely in with the bunch. Yeah we lost Ronaldo and Tevez, two of my favs, but, still have a top notch squad full of savy vets and youngsters. Our guys like Anderson, Nani, Macheda, Wellbeck and Rafael will shine now! It's gonna be another long season for Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Try and keep up!

Posted by Scholi on 07/04/2009

Man Utd 4 Life....Upfront we have Berbatov,Rooney,Welback,Macheda & Owen...Pliz SAF let add sum quality in the middle,we nid a hard tackling midfielder n very skilful & creative attacking midfieldr,as for Van De Sar,hez al grown n it dosn't luk lyk the guys behind him can goalkeep us wen it cums to serias competitive game hence we nid a good goalkeeper....There's also the young sensational midfielder by the name Douglas Costa,the boy is fantastic...

Posted by JM on 07/04/2009

10 Goals a seasons LOL. you would be lucky to get 10 games a season out of him.

Posted by kuku on 07/04/2009

buy morinho. seel ferguson

Posted by Osman on 07/04/2009

Is it a joke? Oh no I don't think so, but sound a bit funny right?. Good luck to both of you SAF & MO. Man U will definitely benefit from this move.Keep my word.

Posted by David on 07/04/2009

What a breath of fresh air you are Mark. Compared to the plastic Citeh correspondent Wallace Poulter, who couldn't drag himself to leave a contribution for month's at a time during last season's disaster, but now has all the time, energy and desire in the world to post on a daily basis after Citeh's latest spending spree. He even went so far as to post that he could care less about losing the derby match to United. You, however, Mr. Payne, are thoughtful, objective, insightful and consistent. Take note, Poluter....and get to the barber while you're at it.

Posted by CHRIS CHIA on 07/04/2009

In my opinion, Sir Alex signing M Owen is a really strategic move, a Master stroke, just like Teddy Sheringham, Man U become Champions with "old" Stars playing. I think it is the TOTAL commitment by the Man U players thats count. Look at Tevez, he might be running energetically but both C Ronaldo and Tevez tends to blame others when the Team is losing. Please give Owen a chance to "rediscover" himself and prove that he still has the ability for top flight football. Owen can learnt from Giggs on how to keep fit. Sir Alex has moulded many players to become STAR players and I am sure he can also mould Owen and "turn" him around to have more self confidence. Other comments to sign Robben is a big mistakes

Posted by isaiah Murithi on 07/04/2009

It's Rooney-Owen for 2010 world cup. There is no doubt about that. Capello's head ache up front is solved.

Posted by osha on 07/04/2009

I THINK WE NEED AT LEAST 2 HOLDING MIDFIELDERS LIKE SHNEIDER,AGUERO,EVEN AIMAR..........2 OF THESE THEN OUR PROBLEMS IS SOLVE

Posted by Sena Vin Zen on 07/04/2009

Hi MANU Fans, its Great for the Club to have such a Player, provided he gets enough Treatment this Guy is gonna have the Goals in the Foot that we missed when RuudGoal let.
Hey Owen go to prove the doubters & make the real scare to Defences in England, Europe & South Africa 2010 WC.
Big UP to all the Man United Chiefs, Players, Board & FANS Globe Wide, Asian Fans there we come

Posted by michael on 07/04/2009

osha...
2 holding midfielders: schneider, aguero or aimar...
not really holding midfielders, mate.
If Mascherano moves to Barcelona then i say we move for yaya toure. Big and imposing, can als play in defence if required.
a top right back to guide rafael. maybe a goalkeeper, but its not urgent, we have a whole season to get one if foster is not up to scratch. douglas costa would also be great.

Posted by adrian on 07/04/2009

Micheal Owen.... Hmmph if he stays healthy. Why not.But why is Man U losing the targets? Benzema was indentify last year as a potential red devil but no actions made. I think MAn U need to move faster and secure the best players left. i'm not so sure about the coming season but i hope they will prove me wrong.

Posted by CHAMROEUN on 07/04/2009

Welcome Owen...
Your coming to Man u is a shock but interesting... I can't wait to see you back to the field...

Posted by Desmond on 07/04/2009

I recall the times when Owen does 20 goals a season. He was young and fast, he outruns others on the counterattack to score. That has always been his trademark. Now he is old and at fast sprints, he gets injured easily even if no one tackles him.

Alex and Michael, in this decision you really have aLOT to prove..

Posted by friedrich durnberger on 07/04/2009

I love ManU, nobody comes even close ( we had an off day against Barcelona), i was shocked to read about Owen joining the team. But reading Mark Paynes comment, i must say he is right, it could turn out to be a massive signing . i think with the right people around him ( coaching staff ) and support from the players, this could turn out to be a masterstroke from the Sir. The only thing i am not convinced is Mark's choice for goalkeeper, not sure if Ben Foster is the real deal...but then again i hope i am wrong.

i would love to see ManU come down under and play in Wellington...Ricky Herbert and his team would give them a good game, Wishful thinking i know.....

Posted by munachimso on 07/04/2009

owen will perform at manchester united with the help of the best coach in the world.i start to bear the nick name owen from when he is in new castle.

cristiano the wolrld fotball of the year and the greatest player on earth i miss u too.

owen i love you.

Posted by Mujtaba Marashi on 07/04/2009

I was extremly delighted to see Michael Owen sign for manu on a free transfer.Our budget is still intact and now we go for big sign.
I trust Fergie will come for big revealation and this time everyone will be taken for surprise as well.Keep iot up Fergie we always trust your decision.

Posted by KM on 07/04/2009

this is a masterstroke!
i really think this will bring all the good in the world to ManUtd.
Remember Henrik Larsson? Owen will be the same kind of impact as him to ManUtd.

Posted by fred on 07/04/2009

man u needed owen.

1st, hes a poacher. theres so much for our young strikers to learn. the welbacks, fedrico even rooney.
2nd, hes going to have a point to prove. never under-estimate a person's will to prove something.
3rd, hes for free! with little base wage, hes value alrighty.

but theres no doubt, what about the robbens, hunterlaars, sneijders and the van der varts, lets loot them sir alex!

the tittle will be ours.

Posted by MaLaYsiAn... on 07/04/2009

i know im just 15 years old.. i love manu so much as i love my family.. but one day,i've been so shocked when my fav team lost to barca... i felt like i lost one of my family....
so, signing m. Owen is quite good... i think you must sign a player with a name Maountinho from sporting libson. im glad if you sign a hitman player and i wonder if you will put zorzn tosic on the first eleven...

Posted by Ahmad on 07/04/2009

Welcome Owen...
Your coming to Man u is a shock but interesting... I can't wait to see you back to the field...

i think Man united should be add player winger midfielder sign....still remember The 23-year-old impressed during Germany's march to the Euro 2008 final...?? German winger Bastian Schweinsteiger.. "He's young, good on the ball and knows how to score. He'd be a useful addition, no doubt."

Or player Aston Villa, Ashley Young..
"he's young, good ball and know how to time score, delivery from set-pieces and dribbling skills have seen him rise to become one of the best young players in the League...

i think the 2 player that good be sign for Man United replace Ronaldo and tevez...

Midfielder - Giggs, Park, Scholes, Antonio VaLencia, Carrick, Anderson, Nani,Owen Hargreaves,

Add Player if come dreams - Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ashley Young

thanks...
sorry if my languages so bad

Posted by Thomas Poon on 07/04/2009

Much has been said for Michael Owen's capture. I am for it and hope it will work. Hower we still need to sign another striker, a mid-fielder and a right back. We still need to sign a goal-keeper, though this is not ergent as VDS can still play effectively for another year.

A live-long MU fan from Hong Kong.

Posted by NWML on 07/04/2009

SAF should sigh Robben and Huntlelaar, but what about Celtic's Aiden McGeady? SAF could develop him into something special.

Posted by NWML on 07/04/2009

SAF should sign Robben and Huntlelaar, but what about Celtic's Aiden McGeady? SAF could develop him into something special. He's younger than C Ronaldo.

Posted by MatrixArchitect on 07/04/2009

Saviola is impossible. Signed with S.L. Benfica nearly two weeks ago.

Posted by UJ18 on 07/04/2009

All I can said is it's a stroke from a master. And basically, from what I see, SAF seldom made unnecessary purchase. Even for loan cases, he's able to get Henrik Larsson to perform for the team in such a short period of time; so I do not see why cant he does the same to Michael Owen who already got scoring records in the book.

Posted by Haisan on 07/04/2009

Frankly... I'm not a Manu fan and I do not like Manu much. However, signing Owen is a good move and I actually hate it that Sir Alex has made this wise move which is no skin off his back economically. Look at Owen's consistency in getting balls behind the net everywhere he went. Given the way Newcastle played their last season, no single player would have made enough difference to save them.

Posted by vavel murday on 07/04/2009

First of all i believe in SAF,he is the best,he made good decisions in signing players.He build stars not stars that made him.Since SAF joined MANU,the club won lots of trophies and even equal the 18 england league title.Who can do better than him in the soccer world?Nobody.You know why?BECAUSE THERE IS ONLY ONE SIR ALEX FERGUSON.So please don't ever try to show SAF who to buy and to sell.All i do and wish all fans to do is to worship god so that he keeps SAF with good health for ever and ever.

Posted by ernie whitfield on 07/04/2009

i have read the comment's about man utd signing a
over the player in owen's.
think back to man utd's bargain buy under matt
busby. he bought from celtic for 4 thousand pounds. jimmy delaney, best buy pound for pound
united ever made, so give owen's a fair go
all the best for 2009/10 season at old trafford

Posted by Grant from Oz on 07/05/2009

Like most of you, MO is a shrewd, calculated gamble that could pay handsomely. A lot of you have mentioned Teddy but what about his partner, OGS? A man who never complained and loved being a red above and beyond his own ego. I think MO could be just as prolific as OGS if managed properly. (I think SAF can achieve that).

I don't think we need too many more players. We have them already and it may just need a re-jig here and there. Maybe it's time give the De Silva boys a chance in the back 4, regularly. Patrice is attack minded, quick enough and skillful. Why not move him forward to the wing. At least we know he'll chase back (unlike a certain someone else) as well as giving us a natural left side player. Let's just see how the team now plays without the 2 most openly petulant players having left the club. We have great talent, plenty of youth mixed with class and experience and a fairly handy manager to make the mix work.

Things look really good. The Perch is ours alone.

Posted by Shreyas Dilip on 07/05/2009

Well done, Sir Alex Ferguson... This was a well engineered move.. Many thought Owen's career as a pro footballer had come to an end when the only offers he got were from Hull and Stoke.. I personally dont see anything wrong in getting him as he is a free agent.. Well Done!!!
GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!!!!!

Posted by Brett Clarke on 07/05/2009

Having watched United for the best part of my life and having seen some of Sir Alex`s amazing shrude business transactions i feel that the signing of Michael Owen will be amongst the best of them, Teddy , Henrik, i really feel that Owen will be top of that list in the next 2 years, and im straight down the bookies for Owen to score 15 goals this season and England to win the world cup, bold move but so is selling the worlds best player and im confident that they will both come off...

Posted by mojo9578 on 07/05/2009

Mico! Mico! i bet he is going to score the opening goal for MU this season!!

Posted by Kevin Mack on 07/05/2009

Remember 3 low cost players sir alex has bought over the time he has been there cantona sheringham and larsson no one was interested but what a wallop these's players produced on the pitch. Michael Owen might be injury prone but lets wait and see. No transfer fee only wages so what have we got to lose. At least he will not spit the dummy if he doesnt get a penalty or someone tackles hard. all I can say is give the guy (a

Posted by Sylvester WCY on 07/05/2009

you want a striker who can put the ball at the back of the net from whichever position in a penalty box, he is MICHAEL OWEN !! He has the track record. How many of you remember the first goal Owen scored for England against Brazil in the 2002 Quarter final World Cup in Japan? The hattrick he scored for England 5-1 demolition against Germany for the 2002 World Cup qualification in Japan & Korea? Sir Alex Ferguson has the calibre to groom Owen back to his normal self a prolific goal scoring machine even can be more deadly than when he was at his prime. So is all up to Michael Owen. OK Owen, we are all waiting to see you score for Man Utd this coming season.

Posted by Sinister on 07/05/2009

09-10 probably a shadey season for manu, but 10-11 will be ours for sure. manu got a lot of young talents who jst needs some more training. players such as da silva brothers, macheda and welbeck. these are the players who will carry manu to acquire another silverware. and let's not forget the youngsters like andreson and nani, they still got a lot to prove but they have rmarkable talents which fergie could use.

Posted by jj on 07/05/2009

will the move int bad seen we need a plus in our arm cuz brebatov really disoppoint me a lot an i know he's better than that so owen can hepl them a lot so we see how things go since top players seem hard for culbs to let go of.

Posted by syzawn on 07/05/2009

hrmmm, owen is coming...
so where is Berba?
is he playing as right mid?
is rooney playing on d left?
....

Posted by Bakkabulindi .R. on 07/05/2009

For as long as owen stays fit,he can do a very good job at UTD.He has the potential to out score most of the leading scores in the opremier league.Not forgeting that this is a world cup year,owen will score many goals in the process of working hard to get back his national team place,which is advantageous to UTD.So it is a win-win situation for Fergie and utd fans.

Posted by A fan on 07/05/2009

I think the decision to acquire Owen , is quite literally a masterstroke . People talk about the Machedas and the Welbecks , but the past has shown that young talents dont always blossom . On the other hand , Owen is a prolific England international goalscorer , and even if his body breaks down often , he is sure to produce those moments of brilliance , which works significantly towards pocketing the title . He will be used mostly as one of those impact players , filling up on the Tevez role . I was seriously perplexed as to why Owen wasnt considered by some other top clubs .Owen has been handed a career revival opportunity by Sir Alex , so don't be surprised to see him score goals for the Three Lions in South Africa . Good luck to a wonderful footballer .

Posted by Syauqi on 07/05/2009

barca really showed what we have lacked as a supposed champion....a determined & tough tackling defensive midfielder (hargreaves suits this but..)...an out & out striker (how we missed ruud)...and another explosive winger (where are u park?)...only ronaldo n vds stood out that night...so finger crossed, Owen is the man...but really..SAF should looked into UNKNOWN stars as he always did...and a 'centred' rooney should score more goals...

GLORY2....TRUE UNITED...

Posted by Em on 07/05/2009

Am glad the young MANU lads will no longer be over-shadowed by our former best player CR7. they are now free to express themselves allover the pitch as a team (this is what i want for UTD; playing as a team).

welcome Owen. am one of the people who never doubted you since you joined Madrid.

Guys, believe me, Berbatov is the man to watch come the '09/'10 season.

Posted by Eddie G. on 07/05/2009

If Ribery goes to Real Madrid, then they would have bought the most prolific player from all the 4 leagues:

Kaka from the Serie A
Ronnie from the EPL
Benzema from the French Ligue 1
Ribery from the Bundesliga

Seems that they want the trophy that badly.

But because of all the new players coming in, a lot of Madrid players are now on the transfer list. And Ruud van Nistelrooy is also on it.

Any one speculating a shock return for RVN to Old Trafford? Lol

Incidentally, I'm also excited that Owen is playing for United. Can't wait to see how he will gel with Rooney.

And if he ends up injured again, he can go keep another injured Owen company on the bench :P

Posted by pyaesonekaung on 07/05/2009

i believe Sir Alex Ferguson & believe owen is the one of the best in the world. i think we don't need
strikers we just have to need one of midfielder and defender.

Posted by Mitchell on 07/05/2009

i agree with you except for your 2011/2012 starting 11, i think its safe to say that, dispite the talent, fabio da silva will not win the starting spot from evra, macheda and welbeck will not be ready for starting roles, especially since you have rooney and berba in that lineup aswell, and i still have my doubts about nani. It remains to be seen if he will be a major player in Ferguson's squad, even now he is seeking assurances and there are 2 clubs in spain interested in buying him

Posted by rishi ratnani on 07/05/2009

SIR ALEX FERGUSON. please buy big players for the season. look around everywhere people as chelsea is strong too in premier league. then we have madrid, barca in la liga. please big daddy ferguson, buy big names n lets show the world again why MAN UTD IS THE BEST . by the way, if you are there in man utd there is nothing to worry about as you yourself know u are a genius. lets beat liverpool's record of 18 titles in premier league. GO GO GO MAN UTD, GLORY GLORY MAN UTD. WE WILL MARCH ON AS THE RED DEVILS FOREVER.

Posted by Heron on 07/05/2009

Here's to seeing Owen, Rooney and Berbatov scoring 20+ goals each. That would be interesting to see.

Let's see...ideally...

Defence - Wes, Rio, Vidic, Evra
Midfield - Hargreaves, Anderson, Valencia
Attack - M Owen, Rooney, Berbatov

Posted by Jen on 07/06/2009

A playmaker is needed in the middle... Someone can read the game and re-act to it. Owen may become dangerous in the front, but the middle still lack of talented player. Defend is fine but need to be more consistent when come to "big" game...

Posted by jesus on 07/06/2009

Michael was never and hs never been highly skilled!

Early on he had the speed of youth, and could simply get to balls unexpectedly quickly with occasional results. and immediately england jumped on him as being the next master striker.

but he still seems to have no idea about positioning and timing of his runs and thats even more obvious now that he's aged and slowing, made worse by his lack of strength.

sorry manu fans but he's not what you need.

Posted by Jebat83 on 07/06/2009

i think owen-rooney-berbatov will be a good trio in the team. remember when andy cole and dwight yorke? back up with Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

i thinks this trio will become that legend striker. But from my opinion, we need a good quality midfield playmaker and good right and left attacking midfield also. valencia maybe a good signing but We need a good crosser like beckham. Maybe Ferguson should lure Milner or lennon or maybe downing to the team.

hope we can retain all silverware we hold plus get back our champion league trophy from barca. we should target all 5 thorphy this seasons.

Posted by Jebat83 on 07/06/2009

this seasons possible starting line up. formation will be 4-3-1-2... attacking mode

GK - Van Der Sarr / Ben Foster

RB- O'Shea / Brown ( Gary should focus on coaching now )
LB- Evra
CB- Rio Ferdiannd ( My Fav)
CB- Vidic

CM- Anderson (preferable) / Hargreaves / Carrick
RM- Valencia / Park
LM- Giggs / Nani

AM- Rooney / Scholes

RS- Berbatov
LS- Owen

what you guys think?

Posted by RP on 07/06/2009

Just because there's money in the bank doesn't mean we have to spend it right now...easy to get carried away as a supporter in pre-season especially when your team has just pocketed a few quid. Fergie's never been in the business of buying for the sake of buying and with the top end of the market currently being dominated by real madrid it make sense to bide our time and wait for things to settle rther than panicking and wasting money on tatt. I wouldn't be surprised if valencia & owen is the extent of our transfer business this year.

Posted by yutaka on 07/06/2009

owen is just fine. i still remember that when he said he wanted to become the quickest man on earth with his pace and movement. so please prove that to Man Utd and become a goalscoring machine to United. Man Utd and i still believe that owen have that magic touch and prove to the world that they are wrong..U can do it!

Posted by theWhiteAngel on 07/06/2009

i believe owen's deal is a good one..still SAF need to strengthen up the midfields/wings..there just seems to be no one that can spark up the game from those position..valencia? nah..just a mediocre one

Posted by bongoloid on 07/06/2009

my thought is that owen will prove to be a suprise in man united. there is nothing like when you are playing with good players and a good club and not playing with stress.
watch owen and you will know that it is good to gamble in football when it comes to buying of players.

Posted by Gobind Thadani on 07/06/2009

Owen will bring wealth of experience with him and its a very positive calculated buy for SAF who really knows about his quality. He will be scoring goals when SAF needs him to do so. Just cannot wait to see him in action with the other united players around. Well done SAF.

Posted by Bholah on 07/06/2009

Michael Owen will be use as the super sub just like Ole G Soljaer. Just remember the Logo on Man Utd T shirt A.I.G : A.lex I.s G.reat or maybe G.od, in football

Posted by Grant on 07/06/2009

Obertan? Must say I've never heard of him. The write up seems fairly promising, as they always do and good to see the old Red Laurent Blanc saving him for us. Can anyone shed further light on him? I remember 6 years ago thinking to myself, "who's this kid Ronaldo?"

I wonder......

Posted by a on 07/06/2009

Next season's best team:

GK: van der Sar/Foster
RB: Rafael/O'Shea/Brown
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: Valencia
CM: Carrick/Giggs
CM: Fletcher/Hargreaves/Anderson
LM: Nani/Park
ST: Rooney/Berbatov
ST: Owen/ Rooney

Posted by MACTONY on 07/06/2009

Owen is good OK! but i hope he will do better u never can tell.
Pls SAF sign Saviola and Van dar vart, they are experienced players already, it will boast the attacking style of game with witch we know MANUNITED for. Pls Sir Alex don't relent at all if not you will enjoy what you will see next season

I LOVE U ALL
MAN UNITED 4 LIFE

Posted by ABDULKARIM A on 07/06/2009

This transfer of Owen to United is really shocking. The gaffer (SAF) doesn't make too much mistakes. Time will certainly be our judge weather he can play on high standard since he just came out of injury. One thing for sure, is Owen is proved goalscorer and as long as the supply is good, Owen will always sneak in one or two goals in a match. Moreover, he joined at no extra cost (free transfer)

Posted by CarefulWhatYouWishFor on 07/06/2009

Sadly, Owen is past it. Fact. He was good once but it's his lack of pace and fitness that is at the heart of it, not his his contribution to the cause, although his part in the Toon failure last season cannot be dismissed. He put the 'con' in icon.

Posted by Fatman on 07/06/2009

Owen is a great player. Correct.
Manure are not signing who they want and took second option. Correct.
Teves will not sign. Correct.
Missed Benzema. Correct.
Got rid of the diving whinger. Correct and good riddance.

Me thinks Manure may be on the way down?? Not having the allure to players that they did over the past few years maybe.

Heres hoping anyway.

Posted by elvis on 07/06/2009

I've read most of your comments and maybe one mentioned the signing of Teddy and no one mentioned Larsson. Teddy was 31 and Larsson (altho just for a season) was 35 SAF still pleaded for him to stay. this is a great signing because of these facts. Owen is 29 everyone thinks hes done and he was FREE! and is on PAY as you PLAY basis. Micheael Owen 15goals is my prediction altho as some of you have said he did score 10 on a SHIT team with no service who rushed him to come back from seperate injuries EFFEN TOON sucks. LETS GO UNITED! 4 in a row!

Posted by foopashark on 07/06/2009

Hey, since we're on mid-field and "new castle" what about that guy Jonas gutierrez..he "to me" is a fantastic player..i think he'd do really well in "my squad" Manchester United..and WhiteAngel i think ur wrong about Valencia..he is great on the wing..u need to pull up sum footage of him and watch how skilled he is..Wigan was just holding him back..if he was in a bag of dirty apples..well u know how that story goes..lol..Man United forever!!

Posted by Sporty on 07/06/2009

Hey people don't expect much from MO. Sure he is an extract help up front.

I am a MU fans. It was very dissappointing at the UEFA CL final. The main reason we lost was no midfielder. We need a player that can set the pace of the game like (remember) DB. His crazy cross can put defenders out of position.

With a single cross can change the hold outcome of a game. This is what we need the most.

Posted by Sporty on 07/06/2009

Hey people don't expect much from MO. Sure he is an extract help up front.

With a single cross can change the hold outcome of a game. This is what we need the most.

Posted by Nnanna E. Uzor on 07/06/2009

i dont think owen will give fergie the result he wants because owen is injury prone and if otherwise then fergie can wait as long as arsenal has waited before lifting any other title or he can retire without title again if he hips his hopes on owen. he better go and get a qaulity striker for the new season.

Posted by bolaji on 07/06/2009

utd 4 life

Posted by ERU on 07/06/2009

MU is a club who can create a player. for example who is ronaldo b4 transfer to mu??? Just like that owen will recover and get the goals for us.

Posted by Glassy on 07/06/2009

Good signing SAF! hope owen can make an impact. and stays fit.
perhaps we need a solid defensive midfielder.
enough with the attacking player. we have more than enough already.
let nani play 1st eleven. he can provide good crosses and have good at shooting. let him gain experience.

i would like to see hargreaves play more.

life-long man utd fans from MALAYSIA.
glory glory man utd.

Posted by Papa Stefano on 07/07/2009

All this talk of wishing an 'injury-free' stint from Michael Owen. If Owen was injury prone Utd wouldn't have taken him on. Lets face it, Newcastle seem to be a poorly run club so it is fair to assume their medical staff are second rate too. Maybe that's why Owen spent so much time out? Poor treatment and a general lack of motivation plus mediocre talent pool to play with.
Now he is at Utd he will be getting the best treatment possible, he is playing with champions and he has the motivation to prove his detractors wrong!
My tip is he will blow everyone away! And for zero quid! What joy!

Posted by Corey on 07/07/2009

Another steal wold be Adriano, if he can get his head back on. He is much better than Benzema and costs much less.

Posted by fer on 07/07/2009

SAF is playing russian roulette with Owen adcquisition. It may work for some period of time but overall this will be a decrease of quality on the side. Owen can not compare positively with the likes of Tevez and Ronaldo. Plus his best years are already past him.To me it means that SAF is desesperate to try anything, something like we call in America a"Hail Mary" in football. I firmly believe that if they do not buy more talent they are bound to end up in third or fourth place in the premier this year.
Pls, check with me at the end of the year

Posted by Jebat83 on 07/07/2009

Go Go Man Utd.......

Hope we can do better than our last seasons. hope MO can give a great impact to us. beside that rooney now will move more to striker and can score more. i hope SAF will sign 1 or 2 player with good pace in right midfield. DAMN!!! miss player like beckham on that positions.

I'm Waiting you guys in Kuala Lumpur..... :)

Posted by Banton on 07/07/2009

In a couple of months Capello will be calling Fergie saying, i want to have Owen in my side for England.
This i think is a very good move from SAF and Owen knows this is the start of his career ending on a high, i can't wait for the season to start.

Posted by Jon, Australia on 07/07/2009

Liverpool fan here. Hurts me to say that SAF has just gone and demonstrated exactly why he's been the best manager of last 20 years. Some say MOs greedy, but you can be sure he'll give 120% for a crack at the World Cup, which in turn will give you probably 15 goals next season. This should be enough to secure 2nd place and a spot in CL the following year. Certainly won't enjoy seeing MO in a MU shirt, but would like to see Rooney and him get some time together in preparation for winning in South Africa.
P.S - he was one helluva player, but CR9 is the best business SAFs ever done for english football, good riddance. Sad that Rooney ever forgave him for his sending-off tactics and now its clear - Torres best player in league.

Posted by Kook Hing on 07/07/2009

Anyone remember the bloke "Ronaldinho"? Last heard he was at Milan. I think he has a few more years left in him. And talking about the World Cup next year, he will be very motivated, just like MO. SAF tried to sign him pre-Barcelona but was screwed by the soon-to-be-out-of-job PeteK. If Ronny is free-agent and not demanding too much, why not? He might even be a good sifu to Anderson & gang.

Posted by Kenny Kong on 07/07/2009

MO is a disaster move. not only he can't score goals like he did back in liverpool, don't mention he dont have pace, hunger for goals. It probably ferguson is in desperate of signing a new player with ronaldo leaving, benzema shunned on ferguson and ribery is not coming to old toilet.

Posted by Darryn on 07/07/2009

Whether or not Owen performs next season, this team will always be in my heart!! Utd till I die!!

Posted by raymond on 07/07/2009

united needed a new dimension after the champions league final defeat. tevez runs about a lot and scores 15 goals a season, but he is not that spark needed. plus he demanded a high wage and his agent wanted a ridiculous transfer fee. i think owen can replace us with that 15 goals a season, and yet free up valuable funds to search for other new blood. he is hardly a earth shattering move as compared to years before, but at this price and wage..its a good deal.

Posted by Deep on 07/07/2009

personally i think fergie made a good choice. yea owen may've been hindered by injuries n a really horrible time at newcastle. but manutd is a different class altogether...the service from midfield n stability in defence is far superior from newcastle so owen can concentrate more on scoring rather than helpin out the midfield like he did at e magpies. and e best part is, fergie got him for free...and he's prolly signed on a pay-as-u-play basis...so even if he doesnt really perform, united dont really suffer a loss...so yea, gettin a proven international goalscorer without a transfer fee is a brilliant move...but i'd say fergie shud still sign 2 more players...i wud say david silva and huntelaar wud be a good choice...silva can play anywhere in e midfield n huntelaar is a poacher...thats good service with plenty of goals yea...n they're both young so its a good investment...

Posted by khai on 07/07/2009

Apologies All. My comments have 3 parts (sorry for taking up the space).

Part 1 of 3
I like this article. One of the best I've read so far, in regards to ManYoo's signing of Michael Owen. This is better than most of the related articles in F365 (F365's witty articles are mostly direct, sarcastic and will eat your brain cells up).
And I do agree that Owen can bring experience to the young lads at ManYoo. Strategic move by SAF, surely.
As some of the readers here have highlighted, SAF could and should use the 80mil pounds on 2 midfielders, at least. Now, having praised SAF for a masterstroke signing, wouldn't he have thought of that too? There's something about SAF that kept me thinking. He's a person of perfection. Everything must be perfect, else his nose will turn red...literally! Now, Keane was the perfect destroyer, Defensive Midfield, Engine Room, yada yada yada (you know what I mean).

Posted by khai on 07/07/2009

Part 2 of 3
Don't you think that he's now thinking of filling up that gap left by Keane? Oh, apologies. He's been thinking about that for years, even before Keane left (Djemba-Djemba is the WORST DM I've ever seen). Hargreaves was signed because a) he's English. b) he's a natural DM, but unfortunately not in the same mould as Keane and c) Keane had left unexpectedly. The other midfield post is the Attacking Midfield, aka Creative Player. Scholes not getting any younger. CR7 is not a creative player. He's a finisher. That's where ManYoo got most of their goals from. Take CR7 away from the equation, you may still get goals, but who'll create them? CR7 didn't create most of the goals for others; he created most of the goals for himself, thus bypassing that 'missing' creative midfield.

Posted by khai on 07/07/2009

Part 3 of 3
So now that CR7 has left, who should the back 4 pass the ball to, to create the goal-scoring opportunities? These, readers, are what ManYoo has been lacking for years. These 2 weaknesses are not that visible during the past few years, mainly because of CR7 and both central midfield being part-time DMs. Now that CR7 has left, the weaknesses will be more exposed (loss to Liverpool was the first ripple).
Am just hoping that Anderson, Nani, Tosic, Obertan, Macheda, Welbeck, Valencia can move up a gear and fill up that 'missing' creative midfielder role.

Thank you all for reading my 2cents worth of thoughts. :)

Posted by jack on 07/07/2009

i really wish Owen can have some real luck this time around. His goal scoring qualities are innate without a doubt. Nani gets a chance to show how much he has grown while serving time on the bench as Ronaldos understudy .

Owen insists he does not think that he is injury prone, but the stats do not lie. The only fears about such an acquisition are the injuries that have troubled him in the past. Playing alongside Rooney can hopefully reignite the much promising striking partnership for both club and country.Good Luck.

Posted by fuck u owen on 07/07/2009

YOU EVER WALK ALONE OWEN !!

Posted by shkle on 07/07/2009

not impressed at all in the own signing but have high hopes for obertan and hopeful that hargreaves has an injury free season along the likes of wes brown and co missed them for the ladder part of the season but still think the title is in the bag glory glory till i die,

Posted by amobu on 07/07/2009

SAF is a world class coach he knows exactly what he does OWEN gud signing.BUT he should bring Ronaldhino also to add experience in the midfield.

Posted by slclinc on 07/07/2009

I don't really care for Man U.-but I have ultimate respect for them. I think it would be nice for Michael Owen to finally find some success with them after such a rough career. This happens in the NBA all the time-even though I may not like the team who wins it all there's usually a player on that team who has had a solid, sometimes discouraging, career who finally gets some satisfaction by playing for a class orginization. Of course nothing's been won by anyone yet this year.

Posted by alex on 07/07/2009

i strongly believe something good will come out of owen. it is not all over yet for him. he will prove to be very beneficial to man u. manchester all the way

Posted by polycarp on 07/07/2009

welcome Owen hope you do it the way we do it our way (taking trophies)welcome

Posted by Fursham on 07/07/2009

Ferguson miss the chance of signing Benzema... It will be great if Benzema Go to United... Hope Antonio Valencia perform well on The Red jersey juz like C Ronaldo... Hope he can be the replacement of Ronaldo loss... United juz need another Striker after losing Carlos Tevez.. Player like Thiery Henry will be the Fine replacement for Tevez... Hope he made the rite decision before the transfer market close...

Posted by Anurag on 07/07/2009

Owen can be the suber sub ...some one in the mould of Solskaer ... Also dont forget Gavin Larsen two seasons ago on loan ... owen can bring the same spark

Posted by Ian Hough on 07/07/2009

Owen was born in the same year as Anelka - 1979. Anelka went to Chelsea just 18 months ago, and he is approx. 9 months older than Owen. Having done the math, as they say, I have to state that Fergie should have signed Anelka back when we had the chance. There are no guarantees that Owen will prove to have a footballing resurgence, as Anelka has, and the injury thing will hang over Carrington like a black cloud.
Owen's recent remarks that he would move to Liverpool for 25K per year has only served to ram the point further home that United are going through a rough patch...I agree that we could now face a fallow period, after which we might return to former glories. Question is, how long has Fergie left in him? It happened to Liverpool and it could happen to us; the empire crumbles in the end.
Either that, or Ferguson will amaze us all and Owen will score 21 goals this coming season...before going to Liverpool for 65K per week for his remaining 2 years of active football..

Posted by CobRa on 07/08/2009

Owen rocks...
Man Utd Rocks...
without ronaldo man utd could do more !!!
that selfish fellow go away !
yeah !!!
wisH to see in NeXt season how Owen n Rooney play together to form a real striker !
LET BEAT IT~~>
COME ON GET THE 5 CHAMPIONS !!!!!!!

Posted by G$$$$$$$$$ on 07/08/2009

if people think we need another quality young wing to go with Nani and Valencia and Macheda the Lukas Podolski and Bastian Swienstiger from germany are both young and would be pretty cheap. I think we need to add experience in the midfield also and Ronaldinho would def do that for us

Posted by gavin on 07/08/2009

Who to sign now its difficult with real madrid. We have to wait for some left overs.Let them finnish first. Then will buy a rookie and make him a great player, after that sell him for another 80million. we are still the best man united fans. Whoever the gaffer buys, its ok with me.

Posted by rené on 07/08/2009

it's a big deal to sign owen coz of many things,first in signing owen we have added many fans from wolrd wide especialy from england.
so in order to continue shaning like we were in 2 past seasons,MAN UTD MUST AND MUST SIGN ARJEN ROBBEN
he is very quick like messi,intelligent like ibrahimovic and he loves man utd very much.how du u fell when we have,valencia,robben,rooney,berbatov and gigs?plz i ask all the fans of manutd to do their best in order to welcome robben at old traffold.

Posted by Cruz on 07/08/2009

since scholes and giggs already start counting days before hanging boots,SAF should try to look replacement for the midfield duo...currently already have carrick,hargreaves,fletcher and anderson...but lack of consistency seems to give impack to overall team performance...and hargreaves is likened to injured...
real duo, VAN DER VAART and SNEIJDER are the perfect choice as real madrid surely consider any bid to offload few players in madrid big squad...ROBBEN should be good enough to wear united shirt as well...just forget about ribery...80€ price tag is too much for the player with his standard...united already have valencia and now obertan to play in wide area...
if united really want to spend the cash from ronaldo transfer,they should go a killer instinct hitman, DAVID VILLA!!! it's worth to spend €50 for him!!!

Posted by BJos on 07/08/2009

I think in some ways you are right Rene`. But if the price tag on Rebery also affordable and He wants to join than it will be great. I also like Roben, If Ibrahimovic also avilable MU will be perfect team in the world.same way jan Hunt also...

Posted by cman26 on 07/08/2009

I hope your line-up for the future of Manchester United is what you hope for and not what even comes close to the real thing. Wayne Rooney is NOT a wide player. He should be used as a second striker, not a winger. And we all know that Berbatov will never play anything but his preferred positions so Rooney will be forced to move positions if Macheda comes in. Why not go with Foster; Rafael, Rio, Vidic, Fabio; Valencia, Hargreaves, Carrick, Obertan; Rooney, Berbatov. A return to the 4-4-2 that was so effective in the treble season could see a return to the beautiful United. Please Sir Alex, do NOT bring in any more strikers. Focus on the wide positions with a 4-4-2 formation. Use Rooney to full effect and bring him into his preferred position. Rooney should always be one of the first names on the teamsheet if he is healthy.

Posted by kabir (Austin Club ) on 07/09/2009

I Love Man Utd,we have no ronaldo,no problem we have Owen now wellcome baby.

Posted by kabir (Austin Club ) on 07/09/2009

I Love Man Utd,we have no ronaldo,no problem we have Owen now welcome baby.

Posted by Cruz on 07/10/2009

i think better for fergie to add in more attacking treat in the squad.berbatov plays smart and good.but he may not be a profilic goal scorer.rooney is the best when he played as 2nd striker.hargreaves and owen may be good but always get injured.dont take a risk.obertan,macheda and manucho is not mature enough with english football.how long can we count for scholes and giggs to perform well for united??united must start build its new squad.maybe this season only 'induction season' for new players.at least they will be much better next season.now is the time to cash in few star player to develop a competetive squad (if seriously want to challenge madrid for UCL).go for out-and-out striker (villa/ibrahimovic/huntelaar) and midfield/winger who can score.robben from open play.sneijder/van der vaart (set piece specialist).plus bonus united already have a solid back 4.rafael,rio,vidic,evra..with potential backup brown,o'shea,fabio,evans..with strong hand of van der sar and foster in goal.

Posted by sesmo on 07/10/2009

Apart from Kleberson, Taibi, Djemba djemba, Veron and Forlan Sir Alex has made some good signings. It's almost impossible to fill Christiano's shoes. The United manager should try Yohan gourcuff, the player has the same qualities like Zizou and will provide the creative spark that Manchester United need in the midfield

Posted by lokeo on 07/27/2009

robben will not fit in MU as well as others possible transfer player mentioned above. satisfied with the current squad.

MO will be vital and sparks something with MU. Tosic showing a good pre season.
valencia proved a well establish player in epl(during wigan).

a well mixed squad and well balance in term of experience and most important thing is the MU winning spirit is high among current squad.

with those player breaking down the spirit are gone, new signing will work hard n show the world why sir alex handed them a chance to pull on a red devil shirt.

the existing players will hunger for more success after the lost to barcelona at UCL final. even more hunger for 4th cons. title and for marking the 1st team to do it.

Plenty of choices in central midfield. Juz lost a game at UCL final dont mean that MU midfield is weak. comparing to consistency in midfield showed throughout last season, MU midfield is still a class of the best.

MU plenty of work to prove. g.luck!

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