Fergie feels for off-target Owen
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Michael Owen deserved a goal
instead of drawing a blank for Manchester United in Wednesday's 2-0
win over Valencia.
In front of England coach Fabio Capello, who names his squad to
face Holland next week on Saturday evening, Owen squandered four
excellent chances to find the target.
While it could be argued merely getting in position to score was
a plus, whether Capello will be as easily won over remains to be
seen.
However, Ferguson was delighted with the striker's effort.
"It would have been nice for Michael to score - he deserved
one," said Ferguson.
"He probably should have had four. He showed marvellous movement
at times and when he took that great pass from Wayne Rooney, he put
the ball over the keeper but just past the post."
It was all United did have to complain about after a deserved
triumph, in which another Old Trafford new-boy Antonio Valencia
earned special praise from his manager.
"It was a very exciting performance," said Ferguson.
"It was a real winger's effort. He showed great speed, power and
balance.
"Coming to our club he has immediately taken on the challenge
and we are very pleased with what we have seen from him so
far."
With Owen struggling to find the target, Rooney stepped into the
breach, guiding home Valencia's cross seven minutes into the second
period.
The Ecuador wide man also provided Tom Cleverley with the chance
to mark his first United appearance in pre-season with a goal.
Cleverley is one of a clutch of United youngsters eager to make
an impression in the game but knowing their immediate future lies
elsewhere as Ferguson looks to expose them to more competitive
football.
The Basingstoke-born midfielder, who is 20 next week, spent part
of last term on loan with Leicester, and Ferguson admits he is not
sure if another spell away from Old Trafford beckons.
"We don't really know what to do with Tom," he said.
"A lot of clubs have been in for him, including one or two in
the Premier League.
"Putting him out on loan is something we are looking at because
these lads do need experience."
Belgian full-back Ritchie De Laet falls into the same category
despite an impressive performance at right-back.
Ferguson confirmed John O'Shea will probably fill the slot on
Sunday when United complete their pre-season preparations against
Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley.
Neither Nemanja Vidic nor Wes Brown will be available for the
showpiece as they struggle to combat ankle and thigh problems
respectively, although Ferguson still thinks both men have an
outside chance of being involved when his side begin the defence of
their Premier League title against Birmingham on August 16.
