Owen: This Is The One

Michael Owen praised United’s strength in depth after collecting his first Barclays Premier League winner’s medal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Despite starring in the league with Liverpool in the late 90s, Owen never won the competition with the Merseysiders, nor with Newcastle during his spell at St James’ Park before his arrival in Manchester.

Owen may not have been central to United’s success this season but he did make 11 league appearances and score twice (including against Blackpool on the final day) as the Reds marched towards a record 19th title.

“As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them,” he told MUTV, smiling. “I won a lot of trophies with Liverpool but to win the Premier League is the pinnacle of anyone’s career. I’m very proud today.

“I’ve not played as much as I did last year but we all have to play our part to win the league and it’s been enjoyable, nonetheless. I’m really pleased and proud to have played with a great crop of lads and obviously the manager’s second to none.”

Owen went on to highlight the importance of United’s entire squad, which manager Sir Alex Ferguson utilised to its fullest potential throughout the season. An incredible 21 players qualified for medals (10 appearances or more), although Owen was at pains to point out that even more players had played their part in their success.

“It’s a great team in my eyes,” he said. “Throughout the year you’d look at the team and think ‘he’s essential’ and then he’d dip out of form or somebody else would come back from injury or come into form… the amount of goals that have been spread around the team is fantastic.

“Everyone’s played a part, even the lads who have only played a couple of games, the likes of Wes Brown and Gary Neville, for instance. They’re all great members of the squad – we live with these guys day in and day out and they’re even more important than people would think.”