Source: Daily_Mail
Michael Owen: I have no regrets over my bit-part role at Manchester United
Even when Sir Alex Ferguson offered Michael Owen a new contract at the end of last season, he knew there would be no guarantees about a first-team slot at Manchester United. [LNB] As it has turned out, Owen is yet to play a single minute this season.[LNB] The statistic should change in the Carling Cup tie at Leeds but with the emergence of Danny Welbeck, the 31-year-old finds himself at No 5 on the United pecking order.[LNB] Take it as Red: Michael Owen is happy at United[LNB] For someone who still stands at number four on the all-time England scorers chart and was rated as Europe's top striker in his pomp, it could be viewed as a disappointing end to his career.[LNB] But Owen is having none of it. Even if he didn't play another game for the Red Devils, he would have no regrets about the journey.[LNB] 'I understand you cannot be given guarantees in football,' he told the Manchester Evening News.[LNB] Taking the Mic: Owen has chipped in with some crucial goals[LNB]'As last season drew to an end I was 50-50 about what the manager would say when he called me in.[LNB]'If it had gone the other way I wouldn't have been upset. I am proud to have been involved with such a great club. But secretly when he said he wanted me to stay my fist was clenched under the table.[LNB]'We are all men about it. If I didn't play at all during the season I would sit down with the manager and have another chat.[LNB]'But last summer he was keen to keep me and that was enough.'[LNB] Owen admits it is a relatively new experience being so far down the pecking order, although he did have a problem during his short stint at Real Madrid when he found Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane barring his way.[LNB] However, he is experienced enough to be prepared for whatever challenge faces him.[LNB] 'I have been a striker for many years,' he reflected.[LNB] 'I have been the No 1 choice and had people chomping at my heels. Now it is roles reversed but I can think of a lot worse places to be.[LNB] 'When I train it is with the best players. When I play it is in front of fantastic fans in a great stadium and the quality is high.[LNB] 'Who knows what the future holds. I hope I can be involved but I am not stupid there are a lot of top players here and if my chances are limited I will still have a smile on my face and still feel part of a fantastic club.'[LNB] EXCLUSIVE: Glazers pay out record bonus to United staff at Old TraffordVeteran Giggs urges United youngsters to take their chance in Carling Cup clash [LNB] [LNB]
