Source: Daily_Mail
Michael Owen is as good as he ever was, says United team-mate Jonny Evans
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans believes Michael Owen is proving at Old Trafford he remains a class act. [LNB]Owen, a surprise signing from Newcastle in the summer, scored his third goal of the season in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley at Oakwell. [LNB]It was a clinical finish as he foxed goalkeeper Luke Steele after he made the most of a delightful ball from Fabio. Whether Owen, who started on the bench in the defeat by Liverpool, can win a recall to the England squad remains to be seen. [LNB] Head and shoulders above the rest: Owen (left) is still a class act when it comes to putting the ball in the net, according to the striker's United team-mate Evans[LNB]But Evans has no doubts at all about his team-mate's quality and said: 'Every time Michael comes on he gets into really good positions. [LNB]'He changed the game a bit for us on Sunday. It was the first time we really looked like getting in behind Liverpool. [LNB]'It was good for him against Barnsley to get another goal. It was a great finish from him. He made it look easy by passing the ball into the corner.'[LNB]Evans is also predicting a bright future for 18-year-old striker Danny Welbeck, who opened the scoring in the fifth minute. [LNB]Welbeck came off in the second half and is having a scan on the knee injury he suffered. [LNB]Evans said: 'Danny is improving all the time and learning from the first-team lads. He is a fantastic talent and can go all the way. He is so hard to play against. He has great skill as well.'[LNB]Impressed: United defender Evans[LNB]Despite his night ending on a sour note it could not dampen Welbeck's mood of elation at securing a place in the last eight of the competition. [LNB]Welbeck scored the winner against Wolves in the third round and was part of the United side that lifted the trophy last season when they defeated Tottenham. [LNB] He said: 'It is great to get further in the cups. I'm already looking forward to the quarter-finals. We'll certainly enjoy it and do our best. [LNB]'We controlled the game against Barnsley in the second half. The youngsters did well and the experienced players in the team helped us massively.'[LNB]United's rising stars are also versatile as Rafael proved against the Coca-Cola Championship side. [LNB]The Brazilian was switched from full-back to a central midfield role and looked comfortable in that position. [LNB]However, his polished performance came as no surprise to manager Sir Alex Ferguson. [LNB] He said: 'Darron Gibson was injured so we didn't have many options. Rafael trains with the first team all the time, he's mobile and quick enough with good feet.[LNB]'Playing away from home in a cup tie is a completely different experience from playing at Old Trafford. Last year we had some good home draws and it was good experience for the lads.'[LNB] Barnsley 0 United 2: Deadly Owen delivers a telling England reminder Barnsley barney! Manchester United fans accused of trashing and looting Oakwell food kiosks in Carling Cup night of shame Fergie's bullies gang up on Rafa Benitez - Martinez launches attackVIDEO: See Liverpool legend Jan Molby's mythical 'lost goal' against Manchester United for first time in 25 yearsUnited on red alert as Valencia hint at sale of Spanish stars Villa and SilvaManchester United's young goal ace Danny Welbeck faces knee scanShock horror! Sir Alex Ferguson backs referee over Gary Neville red cardMANCHESTER UNITED FC
