Source: Team_Talk
Owen out to make his mark
Michael Owen has declared that he hopes to play more regularly this season and is confident of enjoying more success with Manchester United.[LNB] The striker was handed a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford earlier this summer despite playing a bit-part role last term.[LNB]He is now looking forward to the new campaign after scoring the first goal of United's pre-season tour of America in the 4-1 victory over New England Revolution. [LNB]The 31-year-old expects to be given more opportunities to impress over the coming 12 months and wants to repay the faith shown in him by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.[LNB]"I always have high hopes and go into the new season with optimism," said Owen.[LNB]"The club took the option to extend my contract and that fills you with confidence because it makes you feel part of the team. [LNB]"You feel wanted by the manager and, when he told me towards the end of the season that he wanted me to stay, I was delighted. [LNB]"The manager obviously saw something that made him want to keep me and he says I will be involved a lot more this year, so I am hoping that's the case. [LNB]"I want to play a bit more and be successful - and it's important to me to do that."[LNB]While he accepts that competition for places means he will not play every game, Owen can take a lot of positives from what he has achieved in his career.[LNB]"It's easy to be confident when you know you can do it and I've done it thousands of times before," he explained.[LNB]"Some people may have short memories but I haven't. I know what I'm capable of and everyone at the club does too. [LNB]"We have some top players, it isn't easy playing every week when you have so many top players. But I'm relaxed about it and confident of doing well."[LNB]Owen also admits that playing a part in United's title-winning 2010/11 campaign has only increased his hunger for further glory.[LNB]He added: "When you have something you really want, you're delighted to achieve it - and I was delighted to win the title. [LNB]"But part of you wants another one and to play a bigger part next time."
