Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie expects Owen focus
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect Michael Owen to be distracted by the wrath of Anfield on Sunday.[LNB] The former Liverpool striker returns to Merseyside for the first time since joining United in the summer via stints at Real Madrid and Newcastle.[LNB]Owen, who could start if Wayne Rooney is not fit, is expected to receive an angry welcome from The Kop, but Ferguson believes the 29-year-old will not be fazed. [LNB]"It will be interesting to see the kind of reaction he gets," said Ferguson of the forward, who netted 158 goals for Liverpool. "There are very few players who have played for both clubs.[LNB]"Paul Ince obviously got a bad reaction from our fans when he went to Liverpool, and Michael might get that on Sunday.[LNB]"But he is experienced - that is important. Everyone likes to be liked but I don't think it will bother him.[LNB]Enmity"His record at Liverpool stands him apart from even the likes of Paul when he was with us.[LNB]"The goals he scored for Liverpool mark him down as one of their best-ever strikers.[LNB]"That stands him in good stead in terms of the Liverpool fans - but it is difficult to say."[LNB]Ferguson says Owen's past, and the enmity between the two clubs, was never an issue when the player became available in the summer.[LNB]He said: "It was never mentioned. I never thought about it. When I made my mind up over him, there was no negotiation. He was desperate to come.[LNB]"It was so simple and it was concluded in half-an-hour. He wanted to be back in European football at a top club and was really enthusiastic about it.[LNB]"He had great years at Liverpool but he is at Manchester United now."[LNB]
