Three weeks ago, the last time I updated this blog (poor show I know, particularly at this time of year, but have you seen the weather?!) I wrote about Michael Owen, and where his future may be.
At the time, Owen's representatives had released a lengthy document detailing their client's impressive portfolio, which was greeted by many in the media as a laughable attempt to attract potential suitors to the player. Only Hull City, who by their own admission were punching above their weight, had appeared to come calling for the prolific striker.
Whether Sir Alex Ferguson picked up a copy of the now infamous dossier-cum-brochure-cum-whatever is unclear, but three days ago, Michael Owen signed for Manchester United.
It is a move that has shocked and surprised many and even angered some; namely Liverpool and Manchester United fans. A select few on Merseyside have taken exception to Owen's free transfer to their most bitter rivals and to a lot of the Anfield faithful it represents another nail in the coffin of their love affair with the goal machine. The Liverpool youth product initially let his contract run on before leaving for Real Madrid, meaning the club only received about half of the striker's value at the time. Then, when one of the many prodigal sons was offered the opportunity to return, he opted for Newcastle United instead, on the promise of regular first-team football and ultimately better wages. He was a boyhood Everton fan, after all.
Quite why some portions of the enormous Red Devils following are baulking at the prospect of Owen turning out at Old Trafford next season is beyond me, however. The comments on stories related to Owen over at Goal.com are alight with cries of "Fergie's lost it." Many are referring to the signing as a gamble on the Scot's part, but the goalscoring exploits of the 29-year-old speak for themselves, even amidst all the injury plight that have plagued his recent years.
The injury history is the only 'if' surrounding this transfer, as Owen is a proven Premier League striker, far from over the hill. Nor is this the last of the summer signings for United; Owen is not the big name introduction set to take the world by storm and is not replacing any wolf-like Argentinean. The simple fact is the diminutive forward's past exploits suggest he will bag 10 goals next season, even if only operating from the bench. The league champions are one of few outfits Owen would be willing to play a cameo role for.
Ferguson is no fool in the transfer market. OK, United have seen the Eric Djemba Djembas and Klebersons come and go on little more than a wave of disappointment; but didn't he just sell that Portuguese lad to Real Madrid for £80 million pounds?
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