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Sir Alex Ferguson Critical Of Liverpool's Handling Of Michael Owen
The United boss believes Owen was deserving of better treatment while on the books of the Anfield outfit.
31 Jul 2009 11:24:39
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Michael Owen, Manchester United
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Michael Owen should have been awarded an extended holiday period by Liverpool following his exploits for an England Under-20 side before he was propelled into international super-stardom, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, who hints that the striker may have received different treatment had he been educated at Manchester United.
Ferguson's critique coincided with the club's [COLOR=#0464d1 !important][COLOR=#0464d1 !important]tour[/COLOR][/COLOR] of Malaysia, where Owen excelled in a 1997 tournament for the U-20's, he was immediately reintroduced to the Liverpool team upon his return to England, and then the following summer was afforded little break as he aided England's cause in the 1998 World Cup.
Ferguson is quoted by Sport as saying, “We had Ronnie Wallwork and John Curtis playing in that England Under-20 squad in Malaysia in 1997 and when they came back we gave them six weeks off. But Michael went straight into the Liverpool first team then a year later was playing in the World Cup for England.
“That was unfair to a young player to have that kind of strain and intensity one summer after another.”
“I wouldn’t have done that but he was such a talent that Liverpool needed him in the team and then England needed him in the World Cup.”
Ferguson then added that he fully expects Owen to repay the faith that the Scot has given him, and that he will silence his very vocal critics.
“Experience is vital and I know Michael will score a lot of goals for us.
“He will give us experience in the penalty box. That is what he has been great at for years.”
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
The United boss believes Owen was deserving of better treatment while on the books of the Anfield outfit.
31 Jul 2009 11:24:39
Photo GalleryZoom
Michael Owen, Manchester United
Related Links
Teams
Michael Owen should have been awarded an extended holiday period by Liverpool following his exploits for an England Under-20 side before he was propelled into international super-stardom, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, who hints that the striker may have received different treatment had he been educated at Manchester United.
Ferguson's critique coincided with the club's [COLOR=#0464d1 !important][COLOR=#0464d1 !important]tour[/COLOR][/COLOR] of Malaysia, where Owen excelled in a 1997 tournament for the U-20's, he was immediately reintroduced to the Liverpool team upon his return to England, and then the following summer was afforded little break as he aided England's cause in the 1998 World Cup.
Ferguson is quoted by Sport as saying, “We had Ronnie Wallwork and John Curtis playing in that England Under-20 squad in Malaysia in 1997 and when they came back we gave them six weeks off. But Michael went straight into the Liverpool first team then a year later was playing in the World Cup for England.
“That was unfair to a young player to have that kind of strain and intensity one summer after another.”
“I wouldn’t have done that but he was such a talent that Liverpool needed him in the team and then England needed him in the World Cup.”
Ferguson then added that he fully expects Owen to repay the faith that the Scot has given him, and that he will silence his very vocal critics.
“Experience is vital and I know Michael will score a lot of goals for us.
“He will give us experience in the penalty box. That is what he has been great at for years.”
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
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