"Just imagine Michael Owen scoring a goal at the Stretford End,"
urged the relentlessly enthusiastic man on the PA. It still sounds
strange, but perhaps repetition will bring a normality to it. These
are surreal times at Old Trafford: directly in front of the press
box, there were as many fans wearing shirts bearing David Villa's
name as Owen's. One of each, to be precise.
The small matter of 158 Liverpool goals is not easily forgotten
but when Owen made the slow trudge to the touchline after 63
minutes, he was greeted by generous applause. Sir Alex Ferguson's
decisions rarely meet with open dissent and the same supporters who
worshipped Carlos Tevez appreciated Owen's efforts, if not his
finishing. His introduction to 74,311 supporters proved to be an
evening with the misses.
As Manchester United concluded their pre-season fixtures by
defeating Valencia 2-0, the Stretford End did witness Owen bearing
down on goal following a fine pass by Darren Fletcher, though
imagination was required to see him scoring, the striker skewing
his shot some way wide. A further effort, following a surge from
Antonio Valencia, missed the other post.
The majority of his opportunities actually came in front of the
East Stand, not the hardcore of the United support. Owen, at least,
was much more prominent than in much of his Newcastle career
without resolving the debate over his recruitment: masterstroke or
a sign of desperation? It is too early, of course, to make a
definitive judgment, but Owen's advocates have a theory that
incorporates two provisos: put Owen in a better team and he will
get chances; get chances and he will score goals. On this evidence,
the first is certainly true, but it doesn't necessarily lead to the
latter part of the equation.
Indeed, an hour at Old Trafford brought more chances than
several months at St James' Park. First, he rose well to head
Patrice Evra's cross over the bar. It was a reminder that, perhaps
appropriately for someone who took a helicopter to training, he
appeared at his most dangerous in the air at Newcastle.
Next United's new-look strike-force combined. Owen and Wayne
Rooney hadn't previously played a minute together in pre-season and
each appears to prefer the company of Emile Heskey in an England
shirt. Renewing a partnership that had seemed consigned to the
past, they provided evidence of an understanding. A delightful pass
from the younger man found Owen, in trademark fashion, lurking on
the shoulder of the last defender. He lifted the ball over the
advancing goalkeeper, but watched it trickle past the far
post.
Then, following Fletcher's pass, his driven shot was much too
close to Cesar Sanchez. It was his sole effort on target, watched
by a typically stony-faced Fabio Capello. Ferguson was more
lighthearted. "He should have scored four," he said, with a grin.
"His movement was fantastic. He probably deserved at least one,
particularly the first one. It was a fantastic pass from Wayne,
marvellous movement and he was just unlucky."
Four goals in as many games in the Asian leg of United's
pre-season may shown that Owen can prosper against lesser
opposition. An unconvincing display against Bayern Munich and a
profligate showing against the Spanish side cloud the
picture.
If Owen's evening is open to varying interpretations, another
newcomer was a definite positive. Indeed, there was rare evidence
of Valencia overcoming Valencia without any evidence of a
self-destructive streak. Valencia - Antonio, United's new winger -
provided the cross to unlock the La Liga side's defence. Rooney
headed it in emphatically. A second delivery from the right flank
was only palmed away as far as Tom Cleverly, accelerating in off
the left wing to slot it in.
"The most exciting part was Valencia's performance," added
Ferguson. "I thought he was very, very good. He's got great balance
and he has got power and speed. Coming to our club, he has taken
the challenge well. He is playing with a lot of purpose."
The visitors twice came close when Michel struck the bar with a
rasping drive and Tomasz Kuszczak made a superb block to deny Miku
either side of half-time. Ultimately, however, the Valencia to
impress was an electric Ecuador international.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Antonio Valencia - The
Ecuadorian is unlikely to replace Cristiano Ronaldo as a
goalscorer, but as an out-and-out winger, he looked a worthy
successor. His pace and penetration led to a series of
chances.
MANCHESTER UNITED VERDICT: Besides Valencia,
Fletcher excelled to suggest he can carry on his fine form from
last season. Of the lesser-known players, Cleverly showed some neat
touches while, following a nervous start, Richie de Laet overlapped
effectively from right-back. Darron Gibson struck the bar and drew
a fine save with his ferocious long-range shooting.
VALENCIA VERDICT: Quite how a club with such
debts has managed to retain the services of David Villa and David
Silva is a source of bemusement. But especially in the first half,
before Unai Emery made 10 changes, Valencia looked a very
accomplished side, capable of qualifying for the Champions
League.
