Source: Team_Talk
Staying at the top key for Owen
Michael Owen admits the opportunity to remain with a top club took precedence over his desire to play every week when he signed a new deal.[LNB] It was anticipated Owen would leave Manchester United this summer after his initial two-season deal expired.[LNB]After all, the former England striker made only 17 appearances last term and the majority of his stint at United involved being introduced from the bench.[LNB]With a major hamstring injury thrown in, it was difficult to see Sir Alex Ferguson concluding Owen had a future.[LNB]However, the first indication United would offer an extension came when the 31-year-old was handed a place on the bench ahead of Dimitar Berbatov for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in May.[LNB]Although Owen was not called upon as Ferguson's team slipped to a dismal 3-1 defeat, it was the prelude to talks which led to a significant decision from the striker.[LNB]"You want the best of every world as a footballer," he told the club's official website.[LNB]"You want to be playing at the best club - I'm at that - and you want to be training with the best players and under the best manager - I am certainly doing that.[LNB]"You want to play at the best stadiums and in big games and obviously it's near to where I live.[LNB]"There are lots of positives. The only slight negative is the amount I played last season.[LNB]"The option is there to go to a lesser club and play more often but I'd prefer to play in a top team with all the things that come with it."[LNB]In his post-season conversations with Ferguson, though, Owen was assured he will play a meaningful role in the quest for silverware.[LNB]He does acknowledge that was the case during his debut season, only for the hamstring curse to strike in the middle of a Carling Cup final triumph over Aston Villa at Wembley.[LNB]"The first season was great and had some great moments - scoring in the cup final and the goal against Manchester City, hat-trick in Wolfsburg," Owen added.[LNB]"Last year wasn't quite so good, but the manager has spoken to me and said I'll be firmly in his plans this season.[LNB]"He expects me to play a lot more."
