Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes that he
can still compete at the highest level for “four or five more
seasons.
Injuries have hit the former Liverpool hitman in recent years, but
Owen joined United on a free transfer a year ago with hopes that he
would be able to make a comeback.
However, Owen has only started 12 times for United, scoring three
Premier League goals in the process, and is not a first choice
option any longer.
Despite his reduced role at United, Owen insists that there in no
club he would rather play for right now.
"I'm 30 now and understand I won't play every game,” Owen told
The Sun.
"I've had a lot of injuries and don't have the pace I once had. But
life evolves.
"I've changed my style, I'm a different type of player now and,
because of that, I reckon I've still got four or five years at the
top.
"And I much prefer that to be at United, where I train every day
with some of the world's top players. Where I work every day with
arguably the best manager who's ever lived.
"Where I play in front of such great fans and in an amazing stadium
such as Old Trafford.
"And I'm really happy I now live back at home after having been
away for five years.
As United gets set to kick off their season against Newcastle
United on Monday, the former England international is happy to play
on a title contender and believes that he can still be an important
part of the team this season.
"I prefer all of those things ahead of playing every game for a
team that's only ever going to be 12th in the league.
"Now that's when I would struggle to find the motivation.
"So I'd rather play half the games but be at United with this great
manager, these great players, at this great stadium and in front of
so many fanatical fans.
"If United play 60 games again this season, I can still play a big
part.
"I've been talking to Gary Neville about it and we all know the
importance these days of having a quality squad so the manager is
able to rotate his players.
"So I have to work hard every day to make sure I am always ready
and available because I'm sure I will get my chance."