Back in business: Michael Owen celebrates his goal
against Southampton
Michael Owen reminded the football world of his enduring
quality last night when he turned the tide for FA Cup favourites
Manchester United against Southampton at St Mary's.
Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a reserve team and United looked in
trouble when Richard Chaplow's superb drive flew in for 1-0 just
before half-time.
The league leaders may still face a fine for playing a weakened
line-up, but Owen and match-winner Javier Hernandez put a positive
gloss on a controversial day to ensure their team stay on course
for the Treble.
Ferguson said: 'Owen was terrific, - he showed a lot of
composure to score. With Hernandez it's one chance, one goal. His
work-rate is fantastic, he's always on the move. Sometimes we don't
find enough space for him.
'He's scored in every competition, he's got great feet, he has
shots, hopefully he will continue to improve. I'm sure he
will.'
A delighted Owen claimed Southampton had run out of steam
because they could not live with United's quality.
The forward, whose headed equaliser on 65 minutes showed his
predatory instincts of old, said: 'They played well and they are
flying high in their division but inevitably the better quality
shone through.
'It's not fitness, it's the fact that they had to run more to
keep up and then they tired. That's how the better teams come good
in the last half-hour.'
Owen goal: Michael Owen wheels away after his sharp
header
Ferguson is believed to have given his side a severe
dressing-down during the interval and he sent them out early for
the restart.
Owen added: 'We weren't pleased, obviously, and it was similar
to when Scunthorpe went a goal up against us in the Carling Cup. It
was only in the last half-hour that we had our way.
'It is very difficult against these lower-league teams for the
first hour and then you tend to get on top.'
Ferguson left Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov on the bench and
Ryan Giggs came on only in the 58th minute, along with Nani.
Many other stars did not make the trip - but Owen and Hernandez,
10 minutes later, spared United's blushes.
