Former Liverpool hero signs for United

Manchester United have signed Michael Owen on a free transfer after the strikers contract with Newcastle United expired on Wednesday.  The move comes as a shock to most Reds considering the club had been linked with Karim Benzema – who signed for Real Madrid on Wednesday – whilst also being linked to Atletico Madrid front man Sergio Aguero.  Owen found the net 26 times for Newcastle United in 71 games since 2005 – but was blighted by numerous injuries.

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes it is a good move both player and club:

“People have knocked Michael Owen all his career but he comes back bigger and better,” Rush told Sky Sports News. “People said he was finished years ago but he’s a fantastic player who comes back stronger and better.  [The talk] won’t worry him, I know the way he is and he doesn’t have to prove anything anyway.  It’s a chance for Michael to get back and score some goals. He’ll get chances for Manchester United and will score goals.  Personally, I’d like to have seen him at Liverpool, but they haven’t lost their best strikers. [Manager Rafael Benitez] will be happy with what he’s got,”

Its is also being report that Owen has taken a massive pay cut to play for United – whilst earning the bulk of his wages in bonues through appearances and goals.  Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a couple of gambles in his career at Manchester United – with Eric Cantona being the most highly controversial at the time – was clearly delighted with the acquisition of the former Liverpool man:

“Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question. Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish.”