- Michael Owen spoke exclusively to Read ManUtd
- He reflected on Sir Alex Ferguson’s unique influence
- Derby-winning goal and three years at United
Ex-Manchester United striker Michael Owen has revealed to Read Man Utd that playing under Sir Alex Ferguson was unlike any other experience in his career.
Arriving at Old Trafford in the twilight of his career, Owen was tasked with reigniting his trajectory after a turbulent spell at Newcastle that never matched the promise of his early years
He had burned brightest down the M62 at fierce rivals Liverpool, where 158 goals in 297 games propelled him to the 2001 Ballon d’Or at just 22.
His move to Manchester United sparked outrage on both sides of the divide, with Liverpool’s former golden boy branded a “traitor” for defecting to their fiercest English rivals.
Owen on The Ferguson Effect
Speaking with Read ManUtd, Michael Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, he reflected on Ferguson’s influence and how the legendary manager shaped his time at Old Trafford.
“Sir Alex was a fantastic manager to play under. It came later in my career, but you could tell the players had the utmost respect for him and his knowledge of the game was outstanding. I played under lots of top managers, both domestic and international football and they all had different traits and I was lucky to play under many very good managers both in terms of tactical awareness, but also man management, which is so important.”
Owen played just 52 times under Ferguson, having a limited impact in those appearances. His crowning moment, however, came in the 2009/10 season when he was subbed on in the dying embers of the Manchester derby.
With the game deadlocked at 3‑3, Owen broke free from winger Shaun Wright‑Phillips, and Ryan Giggs picked him out just inside the box.
Then, with a delicate shimmy to edge ahead of Wright‑Phillips once more, Owen executed a precise toe‑poke past Shay Given, sending the Old Trafford faithful into delirium and etching his contribution into derby folklore.
Ferguson was ecstatic with his new number seven after the match; moreover, he praised, “His positional play, his first touch, and his finish were absolutely magnificent. Truly top class. There’s no one I’d rather have in that moment than Michael Owen.”
Owen also had his own point to make after the match, stating, “If there was any doubt before then maybe this has sealed the deal.”
Ferguson’s Masterclass: Getting the Best from His Players
Owen, who also backed Michael Carrick to become permanent manager, did not hesitate when discussing Ferguson’s ability to extract the very best from his squad. He added:
“Sir Alex had pretty much everything in terms of knowing how to get the most out of his team, which was probably the best part.”
After Owen’s derby-day delirium, he had a limited impact throughout the rest of his Manchester United career.
Yet, in the 2010/11 season, he featured in 11 Premier League matches, scoring twice—including United’s final goal of the campaign against Blackpool—to achieve something he had never managed at Liverpool or Newcastle, lift the Premier League.
Manchester United had strolled comfortably to the title, seizing the top spot on 27 November after a 7‑1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers, and never looking back as they finished nine points clear of reigning champions Chelsea.
