Did the Michael Owen Experiment Fail?

Ironically, injuries have not been a problem for the 30-year-old this season; he has stayed out of the physio room. However, that hasn’t seemed to impress Fergie much. Owen has managed only four starts and 10 apperances as a substitute in league play, scoring two goals in the process. Bagging a hat trick last month in Manchester United’s Champions League win at Wolfsburg didn’t change anything. He has begun six of the subsequent seven matches on the bench.

The most telling moment came on Sunday. With Manchester United desperately seeking a goal to break the deadlock with Birmingham City, Fergie turned to Mame Biram Diouf – an untried Senegal striker whom he had just picked up from a club in Norway. An African Ole Gunnar Solskjaer maybe, but it must have stung Owen’s pride no less.  If this wasn’t the moment that Michael Owen was signed for, then when?

The dream of a rejuvenated Michael Owen in United colours is fading fast – and so is Owen’s dream of playing in this summer’s World Cup.  Call it an act of desperation, but Owen’s best shot at any revival might come in orchestrating a mid-season move to his old club, Liverpool. If it comes cheaply, I’m sure Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would be willing to try anything to rescue his own miserable season.

In full flow: Michael Owen chases his dreams

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