Owen misfires as United win

Michael Owen failed in his mission to fire his way towards an England recall with a Manchester United goal in a 2-0 friendly win over Valencia at Old Trafford. England's fourth highest goalscorer could not find the target with four good chances in front of a watching Fabio Capello, leaving strike partner Wayne Rooney and unheralded teenager Tom Cleverley to snatch the headlines as United beat the cash-strapped Primera Liga outfit. Rooney showed Owen how it was done as he leapt highest to guide home a cross from the excellent Antonio Valencia, whose right-wing cross seven minutes after the re-start was the high point of a very encouraging Old Trafford bow. Half a dozen substitutions followed, including the exits of Owen and Rooney and the arrival of Cleverley. The Basingstoke-born midfielder, who will celebrate his 20th birthday in a week's time, showed maturity beyond his years to provide the calm finish to wrap up victory after Valencia had again provided the cross.