Can't wait to play with
Roo
MICHAEL OWEN turned his back on mounting problems at Newcastle with
a day at the races and walked straight into Alex Ferguson and his
Manchester United side. Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd has demanded
a show of loyalty from England striker Owen.
He has just returned from a year out through injury and went to
Chester racecourse to get away from rumours he is seeking a
£9million summer move. Owen who yesterday won a call-up to the
England B squad relaxed by chatting on the phone to United star
Wayne Rooney. They smiled and waved to each other despite being
just yards apart. Watching were United boss Ferguson, who wants to
sign Owen, and Sam Allardyce, who will soon be fighting to keep him
at Toon.
Allardyce takes over as Newcastle boss next week and his first task
will be to sit down with Owen and thrash out the future. Big Sam
does not want Owen to leave but knows his hands will be tied if the
player uses the £9m get-out clause in his contract. Furious
Shepherd says Owen owes the Toon Army at least one more season
having played only 13 games since his £16m arrival from Real Madrid
nearly two years ago.
United were linked with a bid for Owen last month and Fergie has
shown an interest in the past. But it is thought their priority
this time is Samuel Etoo of Barcelona or Spurs Dimitar Berbatov.
It is unlikely Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez or Arsene Wenger would
step in to rescue him, leaving Owen an unpopular figure at St
James Park.
Shepherds statement yesterday said: The loyalty this club has
shown him over the last two years when he had injury problems in
his first season and has missed virtually all of this season,
deserves something in return. Im telling Michael he has two
choices: He either comes out and tells our fans, who have taken him
to their hearts, that he is happy here. Or I tell him that not one
of the big four Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool
are interested in him. Because thats the case.
Shepherd will unveil Allardyce as his new boss next week. The pair
are due to meet over the weekend to sort out a deal. Meanwhile,
Manchester Uniteds winning streak continued as the team cleaned up
at the races. Defender Rio Ferdinand, 28, began the day with a
winning £1,000 punt on 6-4 ON shot Maraahel.
Boss Ferguson, Gabriel Heinze and Wes Brown also backed the horse.
Owen is in Englands 20-strong squad for the B international
against Albania at Burnley on May 25.
