The story of Michael Owen and why he deserves a PL medal with Man Utd

Feels like Early Christmas for Michael Owen who finally wins a Premier League medal!

If you look at Michael Owen's portfolio and ponder at his achievements, you'll notice that he's scored many goals and a handful of important goals which has often resulted in match-winners. Michael's golden era in football came at Liverpool where he scored 118 goals in 216 appearances which is more than a goal in 2 games. But what you will also notice is that Michael hasn't won a single Premier League winners's medal.

Read on to know more about Michael Owen: 
After staying at Liverpool FC for 8 years (1996-2004), Michael sneaked an ambitious move to Spain at Real Madrid where he spent an unsuccessful season scoring just 13 goals in 36 La Liga appearances. Owen was mostly used as a killer sub while his time at Real and it's a no surprise he had the highest goals : minutes played ratio.


Michael made a switch to Newcastle FC in 2005 in an attempt to get back to England and emulate his Liverpool form. MO had a fantastic start to his Newcastle career but his form started to deteriorate next year primarily due to injuries . After managing to make a come back from an injury that kept him out for 18 months, Michael managed to injure himself on a regular basis.

MO couldn't save Newcastle FC from relegation in 2008-09 season and after scoring 26 goals from 71 apps, he moved to Manchester United as a free transfer on 1st July 2010. Owen's tenure at Old Trafford has seen more downs than ups. He lived up to his "injury prone" tagline. In the first season, Michael scored a crucial goal against Man City in September, 2009 after coming on as a substitute. It was by far his most important goal  in the 4 goals he's scored with United so far.


You can watch glimses of that crucial City goal in the video below: 

Michael Owen also scored a fantastic hat-trick in 2009-10 season against Wolfsbrug in the Champions League group stage round and provided United with an essential victory.  M07 also scored a killer goal in the Carling cup final against Aston Villa and did his hamstring moments later. Michael returned to football next season and had a sub-average pre-season after scoring a sweat goal against League of Ireland XI.


2010-11 has been a quite year for Michael so far. He's only scored once against Bolton Wonderers in a 2-2 draw away from home after coming off from the bench.  It was a sleek header to say the least.
If Manchester United go on and wins the premier league which they hopefully will, Michael Owen has a possibility of winning his FIRST! Premier League winners medal with a club that has been crowned  11 times since the league's formation in 1992.


However, the English Football Association (FA) has a strict rule about player winning winning medals:

"A player needs to appear in 10 matches in a title-winning season to qualify for a medal (inclusive of matches as a playing substitute)" 

(From: 2009–10 FA Premier League Handbook, Section B, paragraph 27. p.82) 

So far, Michael has only played in 8 premier league games this season and 2 more games will seal his winning medal provided United win the premier league of course! Here's a brief summary of Michael's 2010-11 season with Manchester United:

The 31-year-old striker has only started once for Sir Alex Ferguson, in October's goalless draw at Sunderland when he went off at half-time, and has scored once, a late equaliser at Bolton in September.

His deal expires at the end of the season and it is unlikely to be renewed after the success of newcomer Javier Hernandez. Owen has scored 148 goals in the Premier League and one more would give him the fifth-highest tally, after Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Thierry Henry and Robbie Fowler.

Wes Brown and Antonio Valencia could also miss out on a title medal, having played seven and six games respectively. However, Valencia may be eligible for a medal after recovering from a horror ankle injury in March. 

So the question to be asked is "Does he deserve the Premier League Medal". Here's my answer:

I think it's an absolute no-brainer. Owen definitely deserves the medal and hopefully will sign a new contract at United. 

Manchester United have 5 more games to play in Premier League this season topped up with a possibility of 3 maximum UEFA Champions League games. United play Everton this weekend followed by Arsenal and Chelsea and then two slightly easy games against Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool FC on 22nd May, 2011 when the new Champions of England shall be crowned. 

Michael Owen has already said from his Twitter account  

"As I've already said, don't know where, don't know when, but there is an important goal to come from me this season - mark my words!"

 United who currently sit at the top of the Premier League table are chased by both Arsenal and Chelsea who are 6 points away from the Devils. Wins against Arsenal and Chelsea will definitely seal their 19th league title and and then Sir Alex can bring on Michael Owen in the next two games against Blackburn and Blackpool which means that Michael Owen will satisfy FA's 10 game policy and finally win a Premier League Winner's medal. 

19th title is coming home ladies and gents
GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED

Grow up Mr. Wayne Rooney!

Wayne Rooney swore into the camera after his hat-trick against West Ham

Wayne Rooney's terrible year continues as he faces a two match ban due to his controversial swearing into one of the Sky Sports cameras after completing his hat-trick goal at Upton Park (West Ham)

Rooney publicly issued an apology saying that it was just a "heat of the moment" matter and he didn't intend to drop the F-bomb on anyone in particular. The fact is that Wayne Rooney is still a kid from within and he needs to grow up. The Liverpool lad scored his 100th league goal with Manchester United and that was DEFINITELY not the way to celebrate it.

The English Striker has until 6pm BST on Tuesday to decide on what to do with this punishment. He can accept the charge which will force him to miss Saturday's premier league action against Fulham at home and the FA cup clash with Manchester City at the new Wembley Stadium on 16th April. Alternatively, Wayne Rooney could appeal and risk being banned for even more games.

Wayne Rooney's loss can create a huge impact on United's attack. The 11 goals he has scored for United are all very important ones. However, the good thing is that this season United has been more reliant on other strikers rather than just the no. 10. The Previous season, Wayne was responsible for about 1/3rd of all the league goals. This season, the story has been very different. United has scored 68 goals (dated 02/04/2011) and Rooney has contributed only 16%. We've had 16 goals from Chicharito and 20 from Dimi Berbatov. Michael Owen has had a bad spell of injuries lately - however, the good thing is that he's available to play.

Rooney's loss is Michael Owen's gain. Finally, we can hope to see Michael back in action soon. Owen brings a lot of uniqueness in the game. His touches are superb and he's definitely one of the most killer strikers in the world ONLY if he spent lesser time recovering from injuries. Owen's contract with United expires at the end of the season and there have been rumours that the Englishman may be offloaded as a free-transfer. But if Owen impresses Fergie, then he may as well be offered a new contract. Owen, is keen to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and also wants to be a part of United team next season. This is what Michael Owen had to say

"I've made no secret that, in an ideal world, I would extend my stay. I would love to play here for longer but I will just wait and see what the club say. We've not held any talks yet"

Rooney however will play against Chelsea tomorrow, let's hope he can keep his mouth shut and answer all his haters with a superb display on the field.

Glory Glory Man United.  

Michael Owen faces another injury setback

Michael Owen is injured... AGAIN :|

Michael Owen, one of the most injury ravaged striker, is set to spend more time on the sidelines as he deteriorates his groin in a training session on Monday (Source: The Sun)

The out-of-favour English international has been sent for scans to learn the extent of the injury, but he is almost certain to miss the interesting FA cup clash with Crawley town which he was expected to play partnered with Chicharito. I must say, Owen has some real bad luck!

Owen has already missed so many games this season due to a hamstring injury and this injury will definitely blow his chances for a new contract with United.

The 31-year old missed the remainder of the season after the Carling Cup final against Villa in February soon after scoring the first goal of the game which was later equalised by Abgonlahor. Eventually, Wayne Rooney won it for United with a brilliant headed goal to end the game 2-1. February and FA Cup are bad omens for Michael, it seems!

However, in Owen's absence, Chicharito will be given more chances.

But will Michael be offered a new contract at United?

Match 7: Fourth away game results in a 4th consecutive away draw! (Video)

Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United, hands on heads says it all

 Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United

DW Stadium

1500 KO, well 15.20 because of a water flood in the United  dressing room

Manchester United carry on with their poor away form this season as they draw their 4th consecutive away game at the DW Stadium, also known as the Stadium of Light, the same place where Arsenal drew 1-1 two weeks ago.

The game was delayed by 20 minutes because apparently one of the water pipes in the Manchester United changing room burst opened.

Sir Alex played a strange 4-3-3 formation without Wayne Rooney. Michael Owen played upfront for the first half and was replaced by the in-form Dimitar Berbatov. It was really a surprising move, one would feel sympathy for Michael who was barely provided with any quality service.  

Rafael and Captain Vidic were yellow carded. Anderson was substituted for the newly signed Bebe who barely looked comfortable.

Macheda made way to Hernandez who showed quick feet and good awareness.

What surprises me the most is, United didn't even have a single shot on target! How impossible is that?

All I can say is well done Steve Bruce, you're certainly in line for being the next United boss. Also well-played Sunderland!

Mike Phelan: "It was a fair game"

Sir Alex Ferguson "Happy with draw"




Match Highlights

Carling Cup: Red Devils' Reserves team win 5-2 against the Irons

FT: Scunthorpe United 2-5 Manchester United

Mere Class, MO scored 2 goals against Scunthorpe United

Scunthorpe United Wright 19', Woolford 90+1
Manchester United Gibson 23' Smalling 35' Park 54' Owen 49',71'

United team saw a complete change from who featured at Old Trafford against Liverpool and it all worked out well as they demolished the Lincolnshire team 5 goals to 2 as they march on to 4th round of Carling Cup.

Michael Owen's Move To Aston Villa: Starting Of A New Career Or End Of An Era?

Michael Owen's move to Aston Villa: Starting Of A New Career Or End Of An Era?

The English Legend, Michael Owen, who joined Manchester United in July 2009, filling in

the number 7 shirt, is seemingly seeing his end at the club. The former Liverpool star has had bad days towards the finish line of his career. Injuries, bad form have not allowed him to keep up to his name!

He did score a hat-trick in  December 2009, in a 3–1 away win against Wolfsburg in the Champions League, but he has failed to perform after that. So that leaves him open for transfer.

Thus, Gerard Houllier, the former Liverpool manager, has showed interest in him. Houllier may proffer him with a contract in the January transfer window. The both of them partnered in the highly successful 2001 campaign for Liverpool, when Owen was named the Player of the Year.

Villa chairman would be happy to spend on Owen because with just a few months remaining on his contract a loan move or nominal fee would secure his transfer to the Midlands club.

Most of the Michael Owen fans have showed interest in the move, because they believe they would be able to see more of their favorite player, which is least possible at Old Trafford where Sir Alex just wouldn't give him enough games to play. His most famous goal so far has been against a close derby game against City where Michael Owen came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal - thanks to the amazing pass by Ryan Giggs. Before getting injured for the rest of the last season, Owen scored the opening goal of the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa and hasn't scored ever since. I partially blame Sir Alex Ferguson for that.

It's pretty evident that Michael Owen would not stay with United if Sir Alex continues to ignore the Current No. 7 and he would certainly raise enough money to pay for Sir Alex's fines to avoid BBC for the next 10 years! Not cool Fergie!

Funny enough, Michael Owen's last goal came against Aston Villa, would the next one come with them?

United have been famous for 2 things this season

The number of late goals scored by Manchester United FC this season have been astonishing!

Leaving apart the fantastic football they've played so far this season, I would like to touch upon two things that the Red Devils have done very masterfully this season - something that is pretty hard to find so consistently and yet has become an avatar for modern football.

Manchester United brutalize Hull City at home.. Thanks to 4 wonderful goals from Wayne Rooney

Wayne has scored 20 goals so far this season!

Manchester United 4-0 Hull City

Old Trafford

Goals: All 4 were scored by Wayne Rooney (8', 82', 86', 90)

United go on top of the Premier League table after winning in a very stunning fashion against Hull city at home. It was a really intriguing contest between the two teams with Hull City constantly breaking United's possession and looking dangerous at times too.

This was Rooney's fourth hat-trick, the last one coming against Porstmouth last year in November. He scored a hat-trick on his Champions League debut in 2004. He has also scored a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers a few years ago.

With this win, United go on top with Arsenal and Chelsea behind. Now all the 3 teams have equal Goal difference (=34) and have exceeded 50 goals so far this season. All is going good for United. According to me, whoever hits form at this stage of the season takes the title. Now what United needs is a significant run of victories...

United have a huge uphill task of defeating Arsenal next weekend (31st January, 2009 - Sunday) at their very home to cement their top position. On the other hand, I will be hoping Chelsea loses a few games ahead. Chelsea has a a very challenging month ahead. They face Birmingham City the coming Wednesday. They have highly crucial games in February. They face Arsenal on 7th Feb and Manchester City 20 days later. But the sad news is that both the games are at Stamford Bridge, which leaves both the visiting teams with a huge task.

Now moving our focus back to today's game and stop thinking about future fixtures, I have plenty to remark on United's performance today. They were really menacing out there and greatly urged and motivated by Sir Alex to go there and grab a win. They've scored a total of 7 goals against Hull City this season. The minnows have been really badly beaten this time.

So who played for United today? Van Der Sar was in the box this afternoon. United had Rio Ferdinand back from injury who was supported by Jonathan Evans as a Central Defender. Rafael and Evra played as right back and left back respectively. Fergie played Fletcher and Scholes as Central mid-fielders and Park on the left and NANI! (surprisingly) as a winger too! But no doubt Nani was awesome and those 4 goals came somewhat due to his rare extra-ordinary performance too. He justified his £15 million transfer fee from Sporting Lisbon in 2007. Michael Owen (another shocking player) was partnered with Wayne Rooney up front to completely murder Hull City!

Some briefing on goals: Wayne Rooney opened the scoring from a lovely 8th minute goal. It could have been easily from Paul Scholes who shooted from a good 30 yard (maybe more) distance. The goalie managed to get a hand on it but Wayne Rooney did no mistake to poach the ball home very vigilantly and not hastily as he sometimes does. Whenever Wayne plays in a composed manner and doesn't shoot in a rush, he scores! I hope he remains fit throughout the season because United needs him... I won't be surprised if he gets 40+ goals this season.

The last 3 goals came in the last 10 minutes! The second goal came after Nani's free kick tremored the bar and Hull City still gave away the possesion to United. Nani then played wonderfully to Gibson who then passed to Wayne who was ever-ready to score. Rooney striked yet again and this time it was hammered past Myhill- the superman goalie!

The hat-trick goal came off from a wonderful header set by the fantastic winger - Nani. The 4th goal was absolutely fantastic! Berbatov set Rooney up with a lovely flick in the box and Rooney actually murdered the ball into the goal beating 3 players; the ball went right between the two defenders and beated Myhill too. Stunning effort!

The serious part of the game came in the 48th minute of the match when the the Linesman was tripped down by Craig Fagan when Johny Evans was defending the ball and was shoulder to shoulder with Craig. Incidently Craig was later battered by Rio Ferdinand (this wasn't seen by the Ref BTW) and funny enough, Fagan was later booked as well! Bad day for the lad.

Player Ratings:

Van Der Sar: 7- Made a couple of great saves, but otherwise didn't get that many chances to impress really.

Rio Ferdinand: 6.5 - I personally didn't admire his knock on Craig Faegan when darren Gibson had a wonderful chance to score. Had the Ref seen the offence, he would have been off I tell you.

Evans: 6- Again, looked vulnerable at times. Nearly conceded a goal after a stupid header back to Van Der Sar.

Rafael: 6 - Was Ok through out the game

Evra: 7 - The all-rounder. Did what he was supposed to do at the right instants.

Nani: 8 - I would like to congratulate him on his comeback after missing so many games. He was absolutely amazing.. I wish he had scored from the free-kick.. he certainly looked like Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm sure Ronaldo will be happy to see him perform well.

Fletcher: 7.5 - Typical good performance. Lived upto the expectations.

Scholes: 8.5 - He was the main guy leading United's attack, could have scored from the wonderful shoot in the 7th minute when Rooney poached the goal and did the job. He really was on top of his game and that's why he's still here at United even though he's 35 and really should have retired had he wished to!

Park 5.5- I was shocked he made it to first 11 this afternoon. He really played below average and should have been sub-ed by Valencia. But I think Fergie wanted some fresh legs against Man City in Carling Cup's 2nd leg.

Owen - 7 - Had two glorious chances to score. Guess what? (the guess is easy) He missed both the chances. His passing was amazing, he was vigilant. But can someone explain to him that you're really meant to shoot with a bit more power. I think he should try some Feng Shui to be honest!

Berba: 7.5 - Was substituted for Owen and really deserved to score when some people said he was off-side. But he proved to the crowd that he can prove to be a valuable substitute with his clever flicks and can easily outrun tired defenders. He flicked an amazing ball to Rooney with the help of which Rooney scored his 20th goal of the season!

Wayne Rooney - 10 - I rarely give 10/10 but this guy really deserved it! He scored his 20th goal of the 2009-2010 campaign.. He deserves to score 30 more!

A vote of thanks to Nani who was awesome today! I wished he had scored today.. He really deserved to score.

We have a couple of important games coming up next week:

United vs Manchester City

2nd Leg of Carling Cup Semi-final

27th January, 2010

KO 8.00 PM GMT

Arsenal vs Manchester United

Premier League

31st January, 2010

KO 4.00 PM GMT

So join us for the build up to the games and Hope United wins both of them.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED AND THE REDS KEEP MARCHING ON ON ON !!

I feel sad for Michael Owen for the way he's been treated at Manchester United

I don't know why Michael Owen hasn't been played in the last 3-4 games which included a 1-0 shocking defeat to ex-derby team - Leeds United.

I will be shocked to know if the reason is politics since Fergie supports the cause of sending this brilliant England Striker who has been neglected since March 2008 by the Italian manager - Fabio Capello.

On the other hand, Dimitar Berbatov has been incorporated in the team a bit too many times. He doesn't deserve to be in United starting eleven for the 3 consecutive teams. I'm not saying he's a waste of a player but because there are better players than him (eg Owen) who must be given a chance often.

Berbatov has been shown the red flag too many times and it seems he has improved on his game a little (if nothing at all). He scores easy goals and celebrates as if he's scored a mind-boggling one! He has nothing more than 5 months to prove his value at United. Now is it intelligent to play him instead of Owen (who is a proven gem).

I really ponder why Owen is neglected by both Fergie and Capalo. Michael has been recommended Feng Shui by former England Cricketer and famous commentator - Geoffrey Boycott. Boycott wrote to Michael that he should try the Chinese remedy to help him give a little edge to spark up his game and attract the likes of critics and hopefully ruthless Fabio Capello too.

Hope Michael scores more hat-tricks and brings more glory to Manchester United.

Hail Michael! Hail Jersery number 7!!!

Owen's miraculous hat-trick puts United on top of the Group!

Triple delight for Michael Owen!

Wolfsburg 1-3 Manchester United

It was great to see Manchester United today. They had a very different squad and still managed to sneak in another memorable victory in Germany tonight.

Fletcher and Carrick were Central defenders whereas Park and Evra took the left back and right back responsibilities. Kuszack was in goal.

An interesting revelation: In the last 4 games United have played the Polish goalkeeper in Goal, they have only conceded twice and scored 13! This includes the hat-tricks scored by Rooney and Owen. So, the Pole has brought some great luck for United.

United's back 4 looked extremely comfortable eventhough Wolfsburg created some threats.

Gibson got a great chance to score for United again from a similar position for which he is famous for, but missed it drastically.

The last minute of the 1st half saw a great cross from Nani which was headed successfully by Owen in the goal.

The Germans came back strongly in the Second Half with an early equaliser from the United wannabe Dzeko. Wolfsburg started looking threatening from then.

Valencia came on for Nani and Obertan replaced Welbeck. Obertan delivered a lovely low cross to Owen who did no mistake in scoring his 2nd goal of the game! It was a lollypop really; really easy finish.

Owen's 3rd goal was the best! He had a great pass from back and was 1 on 1 with the Wolfsburg goalie. He eventually scored by curling the ball over the keeper. It was really a cool goal!

The Hat-trick was really an easy one, there wasnt really much effort in it. It was all about the classy finish that Owen is most famous for!

Well done Michael, hope Fabio capello was watching you.

Defoe's brilliant performance nearly shatters Michael Owen's 2010 WC hopes

Is it game over for Owen?

It is only November, and Jermain Defoe is already only two goals off his record English Premier League tally of 13 strikes with Portsmouth a couple of seasons back.

The pint-sized striker was simply on fire as Tottenham Hotspur struck nine past Wigan Athletic at the weekend, bagging five for himself—but will it have impressed England boss Fabio Capello?

A simple answer would be—I’d blooming well hope so.

What Capello wants up front for England

It is exactly what England needs—one of their best strikers in the form of his life in a World Cup year, and it must now be pretty certain that barring injury, the 27-year-old Defoe will board the plane for South Africa in June.

Sadly for some English die-hards, the form of Defoe has simply snuffed out any chance Manchester United’s Michael Owen has of making the trip.

England’s other classy diminutive striker has zero chance of playing the best football of his career over the next six months and competing for a place with the Spurs star, as those days are definitely behind him.

However, had plenty of England’s strikers been misfiring this season, I’d have definitely stuck him on the plane, but there is only room for one poacher in a World Cup squad and the finishing (the best England has, according to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp) of 38 times capped Defoe has already sealed his place alongside Wayne Rooney, although he is still unlikely to be next to him on the pitch in SA next year.

Despite his form, Capello has shown he is no fan of small strikers since taking over as England boss, and Defoe, with 11 international goals already to his name, will likely have to make do with a role off the bench behind Rooney and a bigger striker, possibly Emile Heskey, at the World Cup.

But nothing in football is ever set in stone. Only Defoe can keep Capello’s mind ticking over.

Now only injuries can HELP Michael Owen.. Of course not his own, but other strikers like Defoe, Crouch, Heskey. But I earnestly hope that he earns his well-deserving place on merit!

Glory Glory Man United!!!!!!!!

Fergie needs to unleash Michael Owen a bit more perhaps!

So why only give Owen five minutes at the end of the game?

Fergie set Michael Owen a target of 15 goals in a United shirt at the start of this season.

Three months into the season, Owen is almost a third of the way there having struck four goals in 16 appearances which included United's most important goal of the season in a Manchester Derby when Michael Owen came on as a substitute and scored and secured 3 points for United. But a closer look at the stats adds a touch of polish to Owen’s strike-rate with the 29-year-old having started just six of his 16 outings.

Once again, as United lost third time this season at Chelsea on Sunday, Owen was named as a substitute by Ferguson.

By the time he was called from the bench on 85 minutes, United were approaching desperation as they attempted to salvage at least a point. Owen barely had a sight of goal when he came on, but what else could be expected?

United’s defeat at Chelsea was undoubtedly a blow to their title hopes, but their performance was impressive and only wasteful finishing (+ thanks to an awesome performance by Czech), and the absence of a strike-partner for Wayne Rooney, denied them a point or even three.

So why only give Owen five minutes at the end of the game?

After luring Owen to Old Trafford, Ferguson spoke of patiently building up his fitness following four injury-ravaged years on Tyneside. But Owen arrived in June, so he has now had five months to get himself back up to speed. In that time, he has suffered one minor injury setback, so if he is not ready now, he never will be.

Rooney was awesome in the lone striker role at Stamford Bridge, but the England forward works better when he has somebody to feed off and create chances for.

So what about Owen? Has the time now come for him to be given the Premier League opportunity that his patience and track record arguably deserve? One certainty is that he won’t score goals while sat on the bench. He has shown glimpses of his predatory instinct, so perhaps he should now be unleashed from the start of games.

Let's talk about his form this season. He has appeared in nearly every game for United (mostly as a sub). He has missed 60-70% of the chances he got. A few of the chances were nothing but sitters. I guess he's nervous! coz the mistakes he does sometimes are the ones done by amateur footballers. He has hammered plenty of shots right into the goalkeapers. BUT! the talking point must be his contribution to the 4-3 win against Man City. I reckon that was the most important goal scored by United so far because derbies are not meant to end in draws ;) Overall i would give him 6/10 considering his performance this whole season.

But those pointing to the loss of Carlos Tevez as another factor behind United’s blunted edge miss the point that Owen’s record this season is better than the Argentine’s. Tevez has scored four goals in 13 appearances for Manchester City, but while Owen has started six games for United, Tevez has been a substitute just once. Two of his goals have come against the might of Crystal Palace and Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup. The other two against struggling West Ham. Owen has found the net against Wigan and City in the Premier League, CSKA Moscow in the Champions League and Barnsley in the Carling Cup... fairly important goals.

And while Tevez cost City £25m plus huge wages, Owen is a free transfer whose salary is a fraction of the £110,000-a-week he picked up at Newcastle. Owen is a better bet than Tevez for United, but he needs to be on the pitch.

And with United now trailing Chelsea by five points, there is no better time for Ferguson to unwrap the cotton wool and allow Owen to chase down that 15-goal target.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!

Manchester United 2-0 Barnsley, Danny Welbeck scores his 2nd and Michael Owen scores his 3rd goal of his season + HQ Highlights

Man of the Match- Danny Welbeck scored a fantastic goal from a corner kick through an unmarked header.

Manchester United 2-0 Barnsley

Match Gallery
The Frenchaman was a debutant today and had a good game too, nearly scored as well!

Owen being congratulated by Anderson.

So who made it to the squad today? Who was booked and who was subsituted?

GK: Ben Foster made it to the game today. It might have been shocking to some after his poor performance lately but he actually did quite well.

Defenders: Neville (SENT OFF at 62'), Fabio (Booked), Brown, Evans

Midfielders: Welbeck (scored at 6' and also substituted by an impressive Serb - Zoran Tosic at 53' due to a minor injury) , Anderson, Rafael and Obertan (Debut)

Forwards: Owen (scored at 60'), Federico Macheda!

Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen gave Manchester United a 2-0 Carling Cup victory over Barnsley at Oakwell. The match wasn't greatly a classic one but I would like to talk through some important points in this comprehensive United victory.


Welbeck, pictured above, scored after six minutes with Owen scoring just before the hour mark on a tuesday night that saw Gary Neville sent off for the visitors. After Neville was sent off, Fabio took his place and soon after when Owen was substituted, there was no senior player in the whole United squad. United played quite decently actually in the last half an hour of the game with an average age of the players of about 19 or 20 years!


Barnsley had plenty of chances to score but consistently failed to find the target as their cup run came crashing to an end. They had about 12 shots out of which only a couple were on target, one hitting the cross bar and the other saved excellently by Ben Foster.


I must say the visitors started the match in a more aggressive fashion, pushing upfield at every chance with Danny Welbeck on the left and debutant Obertan on the right causing problems for the defence.


United continued to dominate the early exchanges as they looked completely in control, with Obertan drawing a superb save from Steele on 19 minutes as he looked certain to score on his debut! But just couldn't!!


But from then on the Tykes seemed to get the measure of their hosts, hanging on to the ball well and beginning to make chances. The first 15' belonged to United and the last 20-25 completely belonged to the Tykes.


And twice in the next 10 minutes Barnsley defender Stephen Foster had two good headers from corners that went first wide to the right and then just over the bar.


The changed pattern of the match seemed to wake United's dormant midfield up, and they once again began to hang on to the ball better and played the half out safely.


Just three minutes into the second half Owen had a chance to put the visitors well in control, being played through by a terrific ball from Anderson and having just the keeper to beat from inside the box.


But the fast-charging defender Foster came through in time to put on a bit of pressure, and Owen's atrociously feeble finish dribble weakly off the pitch.


It was just the sort of finish that would make Fabio Capello's life easier by removing any prospect of Owen going to South Africa next year - but the diminutive striker made amends 10 minutes later with a great bit of control that gave him the second goal.


Danny Welbeck was substituted by the Serb-Zoran Tosic. He looked extremely impressive and nearly scored from a great long range shot. The Serb was too comfortable with the ball but also was booked towards the end.



Anderson put the ball through to Owen from the left, but it was the striker's deft bit of control and short burst of acceleration that took him past three Barnsley players and gave him the space to fire a perfectly-placed shot into the bottom right corner. 2-0!


Barnsley refused to give in despite the second goal, and when Gary Neville was dismissed three minutes later for keeping his studs up on the follow through of an otherwise well-won challenge against Hammill. He was completely shocked and saddened to see the Ref's decision but I think he deserved it.


But Ben Foster showed the class that has earned him international honours with an outstanding diving save to his left that prevented a seemingly certain goal. It was completely athletic! Well done to the Englishman, if he keeps doing such good stuff, he should imagine that he has answered the critics coz u know! u have to perform well at United once people expect stuff from you.


It was a cruel blow to a side who deserved at least a consolation blow, and with the players' legs fading and the crowd's singing dying down, United closed the match out comfortably.


Though the holders were good value for their spot in the next round, Barnsley's players will be lamenting the lack of quality finishing that saw them blow all the chances they had to make a contest of it.


Gunnar Solskjær (Present United Reserves team manager and one of the most successful former United player) was also seen enjoying the game. One of the commentator commented "He must be enjoying his life, look 'He has a wrinkle in his smile'"!


There was a funny moment towards the end of the match when a couple of Barnsley fans stepped on the pitch, snatched the ball off Foster, started passing the ball amongst themselves and ACTUALLY SCORED! The funny thing was, that Ben Foster tried to stop them very seriously. Don't the players need more security than this? Anyone could have come and stabbed Foster!!