Owen set to speak out
23 Aug 2006 - 10:54:23
England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is reportedly planning to hold a press conference to confirm that he wants to move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United.
The 25-year-old is apparently furious about the Bundesliga champions' decision to block his dream move and ready to publicly criticise the club.
Any statement from Hargreaves is certain to further sour his relations with Bayern officials, who have already fined him for speaking to the press about the potential transfer.
It could also have unwanted consequences for United, as Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already threatened to report them to FIFA if they continue their pursuit of Hargreaves.
Despite the situation becoming increasingly messy, Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson remains determined to get his man.
"It's a nightmare. I knew it would happen to us because it seems to happen all the time," said Ferguson.
"We made an enquiry for Owen before the World Cup started.
"He has the speed and discipline to play in the central midfield role which is going to be so important to us, and he has that English mentality which we are more comfortable with.
"Players like Owen and Michael Carrick can be at United for five or six years, which is what we're trying to build towards, bringing the age of the squad down for the long-term future."
