Watch Owen's goal...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZyXQ8PfhDY
The cunning Manchester United striker snuck past
Barnsley's defenders before firing in a superb goal in Tuesday's
Carling Cup tie. The former Newcastle star, 29, has bagged three
goals for United since his shock free transfer to Old Trafford in
the summer - and all from inside the 18-yard box.
And England boss Fabio Capello would be crazy like a
fox to leave him out of his squad for next summer's World Cup.
Stats show that 84 per cent - 99 goals - of the 118 he scored in
the Premier League during his time at Liverpool were inside the
area. And during his injury-plagued four years at St James' Park,
85 per cent of his 26-goal tally in the top-flight were from a
similar position.
United team-mate Jonny Evans said: "Every time Michael
comes on he gets into really good positions. "It was good for him
against Barnsley to get another goal. It was a great finish. He
made it look easy by passing the ball into the corner. "And he
changed the game when he came on at Anfield on Sunday. "It was the
first time we really looked like getting in behind Liverpool."
Barnsley defender Rob Kozluk was first terrorised by
Owen on his debut for Derby in the 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool in
October 1997. Kozluk, 32, said: "He is the original - and still the
best - fox in the box.
"Michael is unique. There is not another country in the
world with a striker like him. "The way he loses his markers, makes
time and space for himself and, of course, the way he finishes. "I
cannot think of another striker who would have passed the ball into
our net the way he did.
"Michael made the whole move look effortless, the way
he first pulled away from his marker on his shoulder and then slid
the ball past keeper Luke Steele.
"I was making my debut for Derby when Michael was still
only 17 but already established as a star with Liverpool and
England. "He was a real pain in the backside that day and we could
not afford to leave him alone for a second.
"Michael was world-class back then and his goal at
Oakwell shows he still is. "He is just one of those players who can
transform a game, either playing from the start or coming on as a
sub.
"If he stays free of injury and gets the service he
thrives on, then there's no reason why he should not show he is
still at the top of his game.
"He has to go to next summer's World Cup because he is
a player who can be the difference between success and failure. I
don't see how England can do without him."
And Barnsley boss Mark Robins, a former United striker,
said: "Every club looks for someone like Owen. He was the
difference on Tuesday. "We played well and coped with the threat on
goal for the most part but Michael had two of United's five chances
and scored.
"That's a 50 per cent strike rate. He will always
provide goals. There are a lot of good, younger players in with a
chance of being at the World Cup but you can't replicate his
experience at the top level.
"Injuries have hampered him but he's always shown how
he can bounce back. "Once again, Alex Ferguson looks to have done a
good bit of business. "I think he will prove to be another inspired
signing. I only wish we had someone like him."
