It would be easy now to start ranting about whom we just signed, the guy who spent eight years at Anfield Road. A player prone to injury and do we need another glass house, especially named ‘Owen’, but after yesterday’s capture of Michael Owen, it would be petty to react that way and I think it’s better to have a look at what the England International can bring us and could add to our squad.
The 89 times capped international has a rather impressive fact file and if he can stay injury free, he certainly could be a major boost to our offense.
Stats on club level
1996-2004: Liverpool FC – 216 appearances – 118 Goals (55% strike rate)
2004-2005: Real Madrid FC – 35 appearances – 13 goals (37% strike rate)
2005-2009: Newcastle United FC – 71 appearances – 26 goals (37% strike rate)
Total: 322 appearances – 157 goals (49% strike rate)
Stats on international level
1998-2009: 89 appearances – 40 goals (45% strike rate)
Total club level and international level combined: 411 appearances – 197 goals (48% strike rate)
There is no doubt that even in his more injury prone time Newcastle Owen one of the more dangerous players on the pitch was ((Certainly when compared to the meager offensive results from other Magpies)). More than that Michael Owen is hoping that ManUtd can revive his international career and certainly wants to be part of the England squad during the 2010 World Cup. This could be the biggest bonus for us. Although there is no doubt that Berbatov will receive his fair share of time on the pitch, I can certainly imagine a lethal partnership up front with both Rooney and Owen. The England national squad could win most from this partnership if both strikers will get regular time together at Old Trafford or anywhere the Red Devils attend.
What are Owen’s weaknesses, other than his bad medical track record in the last years? He is no great header nor has he shown a lot of eye for other team players when it comes to delivering the last pass. But he’s a striker and he can be lethal. Will he manage it to overcome his background and medical record and can he play himself in our hearts over the next two years? Only time will tell, but if one… we certainly have signed the most lethal supersub around.