OWEN REVEALS TRUE LOYALTIES

Michael Owen, a former striker who played for both Manchester United and Liverpool, has often found himself at the center of debate regarding where his true allegiances lie. Owen, who scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for United from 2009-12 and an impressive 152 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool, remains a significant figure in the histories of both clubs.

Owen’s decision to sign for Manchester United in 2009, after rising through Liverpool’s youth ranks and establishing himself as a star at Anfield, was a controversial one that drew the ire of many Liverpool supporters. Despite this, he went on to win a Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, solidifying his place in United’s history as well.

As United prepare to host Liverpool in the Premier League, the topic of Owen’s loyalties often resurfaces. In a 2021 interview with the Daily Mail, Owen addressed the question of which club he holds closer to his heart. He explained that while he is respected at United, with highlights such as a derby-winning goal, a Champions League hat-trick, and a goal in a cup final, his true emotional connection lies with Liverpool.

“It’s not like I’m one of their own, we know that, but there’s mutual respect and good memories,” Owen said of his time at United. However, when it comes to Liverpool, he admitted, “But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it’s in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick.”

Owen also reflected on the mixed emotions he experienced after leaving Liverpool. He confessed that while he was happy for his former teammates when they won the Champions League the season after he left, a part of him felt a deep sense of regret. “They [Liverpool] won the Champions League the season I left. I wanted my mates to win, absolutely, but part of me was gutted, ‘God, that could have been me’. I have to accept that. It was my decision to leave,” Owen said.

Despite his success at United, Owen acknowledged that his legacy at Liverpool could have been more like that of Jamie Carragher or Steven Gerrard, had he stayed. While he is able to compartmentalize the occasional jibe from fans, Owen’s words make it clear that Liverpool will always hold a special place in his heart, despite his achievements at Manchester United.