Hat-trick hero Michael Owen saluted his team-mates
following United's fine victory over Wolfsburg.
The deadly striker put the Reds in front just before
the interval, and then grabbed two more in the final ten minutes to
secure top spot in Champions League Group B for the thrice European
champions.
It was Owen's second three-goal haul in Germany, having fired
England to a 5-1 win in Munich back in 2001. But while he was
clearly delighted with this individual feat, the Reds' number seven
was keen to share the plaudits with his colleagues.
Owen said: “Obviously I’ve scored a few hat-tricks in my time but
it’s nice to get one that caps off a great team display. Me getting
the three goals will probably grab the headlines but I thought it
was an excellent team performance tonight.
"I was playing a bit deeper than normal because with us having so
many players out we had to protect our back three," he added,
explaining how the reshuffling of the side affected him.
"Me and Danny (Welbeck) were dropping in and trying to pick up
their central midfielders where possible, while hopefully getting
into the Wolfsburg box when there were chances to do so.
“European football is a different type of football to the
domestic game. If you get one chance you’ve got to stick it away
and thankfully we nicked a goal just before
half-time.”
Owen and United are now looking forward to further European
adventures in the New Year, following the draw for the knock-out
rounds on December 18.
“It’s great being top of the league so we play at home second (in
the next round)," said Owen.
"I’m not going to lie, you want as weak a side as possible (in the
draw). I don’t know the other results tonight, and there are more
to come tomorrow, but you want to avoid the big boys.”
Finally, after earning the match ball, Owen assured us that it
was in safe hands.
“I’ve given it to the masseur, I get a bit shy when I’m holding
it as it draws attention to me! Hopefully he’ll get it signed by
the lads and then pop it in my bag when we get back to
Manchester.”