Michael Owen Departs Old Trafford

It is three and out for former England striker Micheal Owen, as the injury plagued poacher will leave after not being offered a new contract. Sir Alex Ferguson informed him of the clubs decision after Harry Gregg's testimonial match on Tuesday, where a United team defeated a The League of Ireland's all star 11. Here is what Owen had to say.

"The Manager informed me after our testimonial match on Tuesday that the club would not be offering me a new contract. I have loved every minute of the three years I have spent at such a fantastic club. I would like to thank the players, staff and fans for their support and wish them well for the future.I now plan to have a short holiday during which I will contemplate my next move."

Source - Manchester United official

The gaffer added his thoughts about his departing striker

"It is a pleasure to have had Michael at Manchester United. Michael is a consummate professional and was an influential figure in our dressing room. Unfortunately he had no luck with his injury this season. Michael’s record of goals per game is exceptional and we wish him all the best for the future."

Source - Manchester United official

I was not eight years old when Owen ran through the Argentina midfield, defense and slammed home a shot past their keeper at France 98. That world cup he really burst onto the scene when he scored that goal, one of the best ever at a world cup. Since then I have always been a fan of Owen's, despite him playing for Liverpool. And I was overjoyed when he made the move to Old Trafford. Not because he would score 30 goals a season. He has the talent, yet his body has always betrayed him. If he could have stayed fit, we would be talking about England's all time leading goal scorer. Of that I have no doubt.

His highlight at United would be when he scored the winner against City in his first few months at the club. In the game that was this week voted the best of the 20 years of the Premier League era, he slotted home in injury time of injury time, past Shay Given to make the score 4-3. That goal captures what Micheal Owen is all about. The movement to peel off his man. And the fantastic, assassin like finish. Owen at his best.

Where does he go now? I'm sure someone in the Premier League will gamble on him. Ifr he can stay fit for 20 games, I am sure he can score 10 goals. He doesn't need the money, so a pay as you play deal (Such as the one we gave him) would be suitable I feel. He also may retire. He is big on horse racing. Owns several horses and his own stables. That too could be an option.

As for United. For next season we will have Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. Dimitar Berbatov is on the books at the moment, yet it is widely believed he will leave in the summer. So a dip into the transfer market may be likely.