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Opinion

Looks like Michael Owen might have seen what I wrote…?

6 years ago
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Michael Owen has been making headlines yet again this week with Newcastle fans.

Former Newcastle United physio (and player) Paul Ferris releasing his autobiography, in which he reveals that in the crucial second last match of the 2008/09 relegation season, Owen told him he wasn’t up for playing against Fulham because if he picked up an injury, it could harm his chances of getting a new club that summer.

To supporters, Michael Owen had appeared to put himself, and particularly his England ambitions, first, second, third…and so on, before Newcastle United ever figured in his thoughts.

So Ferris’ revelation wasn’t exactly a surprise, though still shocking to hear.

These days of course Michael Owen is making a living by doing all sorts in the media and two weeks ago I had an article published on The Mag slagging him off (see below).

In a preview of Newcastle’s game against Man Utd, Owen repeatedly referenced the visitors as ‘United’ despite having spent four years on Tyneside, ‘earning’ £22m+ when playing (occasionally) for Newcastle UNITED.

Some may/might think it is only a small thing (I do wonder if it is an age thing as well, with younger people now brainwashed due to Sky Sports and others always referring to Man U as ‘United’, I’m sure that was never the case generally in the media previously – a bit like them now referencing ‘The Arsenal’ instead of just ‘Arsenal’, or using ‘The Bridge’ instead of ‘Stamford Bridge’) but for me it is/was totally disrespectful, I find it annoying enough when others do this, never mind somebody who has done very very well out of Newcastle United and of course the fans who paid his wages.

I was interested/amused then, to see today that Michael Owen has done a preview of the Bournemouth match and has referenced that win for Rafa’s team over Jose Mourinho’s.

In the preview (see below) he refers to Manchester United as ‘Manchester United’ and Newcastle United as ‘United’.

In the past I can honestly say I have never seen or read him referring to us as ‘United’, especially when Man Utd are also in the conversation.

Maybe Michael Owen did have my article put in front of him…or maybe not.

Either way though, one small victory.

I also find myself agreeing with Owen when he says Newcastle United ‘defended well and took their opportunity in a terrific win against Manchester United’.

It isn’t enough of course for me to start liking him but maybe a little more bearable.

Michael Owen speaking to BetVictor:

“Bournemouth have won their last three Premier League home games.

“But I feel they may have to settle for a point against a Newcastle side who defended well and took their opportunity in a terrific win against Manchester United last time.

“The Cherries will make club history – a fourth successive home win in the Premier League – if they beat United but I feel the Magpies will take a point back home from the south coast.

“Tip: Game to finish in a draw at 5/2.”

New customers to BetVictor qualify for up to a £40 welcome bonus in free bets.

My article on The Mag – 7 February 2018:

Michael Owen is annoying enough at the best of times…

However, it is as though he has made an extra effort to annoy on this occasion.

I don’t even mind Michael Owen predicting that Mourinho’s team are going to win this one, after all he predicts defeat for Newcastle United pretty much every week.

However, I do draw the line at him repeatedly using the term ‘United’, especially when he talks about the fact he was at both ‘Uniteds’ in his playing career.

If he learned anything when picking up four years of massive wages at St James Park and giving next to nothing back, it should at least have been the fact that we, Newcastle United, are United. Yes there are others and we don’t mind others also being called it, but it really is taking the…Michael, when using it for the Mancs when they are playing us.

As we all know, Newcastle United has been our name since 1892, whilst it was only in the 20th century (1902) when Manchester United (Newton Heath)were given their ‘United’.

Michael Owen speaking to BetVictor:

“Newcastle United v Manchester United

“Two of my former clubs go head-to-head and I feel United will take the points at a ground where they have won more away PL games (12) than at any other club.

“The Magpies are without a win in their last eight PL home games but, surprisingly, Jose Mourinho has never won a league game at St James Park in six previous attempts.

“Paul Pogba was left out of the United side against Huddersfield at Old Trafford last weekend but I expect the Frenchman to be back in the starting XI and a winning side at the weekend.

“Tip: United to win at 4/6.”

Bournemouth v Newcastle Match Betting:

Bournemouth win 11/10Draw 5/2Newcastle win 11/4

Ritchie to score first goal 21/2NUFC win 2-0 19/1NUFC win to nil 11/2

All Bournemouth v Newcastle match betting HERE

New customers to BetVictor qualify for up to a £40 welcome bonus in free bets.
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