Fergie’ signing of Michael Owen is amazing, especially in the light of Rafa Benitez turning down the offer of bringing Owen back to Liverpool. What does Fergie see that Rafa doesn’t and who will be vindicated in the end?
The answer lies with Owen, a proven goalscorer, but struggling to fulfil the potential he showed as Liverpool and England’s star striker about a decade ago.
Rafa declined to take him, and thereby reinforced the feeling that Owen is over the hill. Ferguson, though, has put his faith in him, but whether this can reignite his magic of old remains to be seen.
For Owen it is a great chance to kickstart his career, joining, as he does a European powerhouse and one of the biggest clubs in the world, alongside Real Madrid, AC Milan and Barcelona.
If he plays regularly and scores some goals in the process, he will definitely improve his chances of being selected for England in the run up to the World Cup. He will however have to fight for a place in the starting lineup with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitry Berbatov and possibly Samuel Etoo.
Can he deliver the goods and will he reclaim his place in the England team or will Benitez’ view be vindicated?
The fact that the former Liverpool idol now plays for archrivals United, adds a touch of drama and intrigue to the move. How will the Liverpool fans react to that and what dramatic twists will he hold if he plays against his former club?
But ultimately a lot will depend on the Manchester United’s success. If they continue to dominate in England and fight for European glory, their success will be Owen’s as well.
But why did Rafa turn him down?
Did he see him as over the hill and not good enough to join the likes of Torres, Gerard and Kuyt and will his strikeforce, which looks a bit thin, be sufficient. Last season Gerard was great and was Liverpool’ top goal scorer. As a midfielder though it cast a shadow over the strikers. Torres was injured for a while and could not regain the form of his previous season when he scored 34 goals, but none of the other strikers made an impact as a scorer.
Will these strikers be enough and will a fit again Torres recapture his form as one of the world’s top finishers. He certainly underlined his class with his great hattrick against New Zealand at the Confed Cup.
But do Liverpool have the class and the depth to once again challenge United for the title like they did this past season?
And what about United – without star winger and goal scorer Ronaldo – a soccer phenomenon who attracted 80 000 people at his presentation in the Bernabeu Stadium.
Two seasons back he scored a phenomenal 42 goals and last season ended with 26 after a lengthy injury.
Manchester will also be without Tevez – the talented and tenacious Argentine. It was rather strange that Fergie let such a talent go, and his absence, along with Ronaldo’s will leave a big gap. If Etoo joins them it will be a big boost, but without him they could struggle.
Michael Owen – his destiny is in hands. Will he relive those glorious moments like his goal against Argentina and the FA Cup final against Manchester, or will he continue to be dogged by injuries and inconsistent performances?
Maybe it’s not a question of whether Fergie or Rafa will be vindicated, but whether Owen can vindicate himself.