Owen
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Squiggles
Guest
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900297#msg900297 date=1246721151]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=34487.msg900296#msg900296 date=1246720976]
I'm with gkmacca on this, I've long defended Michael Owen and really wished he'd come back here. When I was growing up he was my Liverpool hero, and I still remember the smack in the face feeling when he left us. Today feels like he's come back to rub salt into the wound.
'Not a moments thought'
Go fuck yourself, you classless cunt.
[/quote]
actually owen has not changed. he's PR campaign is geared to the manc supporters.
[/quote]
Thanks for clarifying that.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=34487.msg900296#msg900296 date=1246720976]
I'm with gkmacca on this, I've long defended Michael Owen and really wished he'd come back here. When I was growing up he was my Liverpool hero, and I still remember the smack in the face feeling when he left us. Today feels like he's come back to rub salt into the wound.
'Not a moments thought'
Go fuck yourself, you classless cunt.
[/quote]
actually owen has not changed. he's PR campaign is geared to the manc supporters.
[/quote]
Thanks for clarifying that.
I wonder how the little cunt will feel when his new adoring public start singing about the dead of Hillsborough. It'll probably, conveniently, not register.
[quote author=Gareth link=topic=34487.msg900298#msg900298 date=1246721189]
[quote author=barrymac20 link=topic=34487.msg900291#msg900291 date=1246720595]
Anyone see his interview on Sky? Hes dead to me. >🙁
[/quote]
link?
[/quote]
If you really want to just go to the sky sports footbal homepage. Also they're running snippets of the interview on skysports news, although i think you'd be better to read than listen and watch.
[quote author=barrymac20 link=topic=34487.msg900291#msg900291 date=1246720595]
Anyone see his interview on Sky? Hes dead to me. >🙁
[/quote]
link?
[/quote]
If you really want to just go to the sky sports footbal homepage. Also they're running snippets of the interview on skysports news, although i think you'd be better to read than listen and watch.
S
Squiggles
Guest
Probably give the 'few rotten apples' argument, which is fair enough.
We all say it when paper aeroplanes are flying around OT.
We all say it when paper aeroplanes are flying around OT.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=34487.msg900300#msg900300 date=1246721479]
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900297#msg900297 date=1246721151]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=34487.msg900296#msg900296 date=1246720976]
I'm with gkmacca on this, I've long defended Michael Owen and really wished he'd come back here. When I was growing up he was my Liverpool hero, and I still remember the smack in the face feeling when he left us. Today feels like he's come back to rub salt into the wound.
'Not a moments thought'
Go fuck yourself, you classless cunt.
[/quote]
actually owen has not changed. he's PR campaign is geared to the manc supporters.
[/quote]
Thanks for clarifying that.
[/quote]
no probs. i live to state the obvious.
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900297#msg900297 date=1246721151]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=34487.msg900296#msg900296 date=1246720976]
I'm with gkmacca on this, I've long defended Michael Owen and really wished he'd come back here. When I was growing up he was my Liverpool hero, and I still remember the smack in the face feeling when he left us. Today feels like he's come back to rub salt into the wound.
'Not a moments thought'
Go fuck yourself, you classless cunt.
[/quote]
actually owen has not changed. he's PR campaign is geared to the manc supporters.
[/quote]
Thanks for clarifying that.
[/quote]
no probs. i live to state the obvious.
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900294#msg900294 date=1246720866]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900289#msg900289 date=1246720245]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=34487.msg900286#msg900286 date=1246719891]
"I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, who took over at Anfield during the summer, says he will use the money generated from the Owen transfer to continue his rebuilding at the club.
He added: "Real Madrid started talking with his agent and in the end it was an impossible situation to control."
[/quote]
[/quote]
Haha.. come on vlad, Owen more than happy to leave us as he did not say 1 bad thing about us. Hence its more than likely benitez was speaking the truth. So sorry that your image of Owen has been destroyed..
[/quote]
Every one thinks I am an Owenafile, I really don't care that much, I had no lofty image to be destroyed, likewise everyone thinks I am having a pop at Benitez, for his part in what I believe was the scenario, I'm not , it's just how I think it was, which is not everyones perception.
The only thing I had an issue with, up until he signed for United ,was what was unfair stick, that has clearly changed now he is a United player.
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
Rafa really is far more cunning and manipulative than most of you give him credit for , and before I get jumped on again, that is a compliment
regards
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900289#msg900289 date=1246720245]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=34487.msg900286#msg900286 date=1246719891]
"I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, who took over at Anfield during the summer, says he will use the money generated from the Owen transfer to continue his rebuilding at the club.
He added: "Real Madrid started talking with his agent and in the end it was an impossible situation to control."
[/quote]
[/quote]
Haha.. come on vlad, Owen more than happy to leave us as he did not say 1 bad thing about us. Hence its more than likely benitez was speaking the truth. So sorry that your image of Owen has been destroyed..
[/quote]
Every one thinks I am an Owenafile, I really don't care that much, I had no lofty image to be destroyed, likewise everyone thinks I am having a pop at Benitez, for his part in what I believe was the scenario, I'm not , it's just how I think it was, which is not everyones perception.
The only thing I had an issue with, up until he signed for United ,was what was unfair stick, that has clearly changed now he is a United player.
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
Rafa really is far more cunning and manipulative than most of you give him credit for , and before I get jumped on again, that is a compliment
regards
the kop could sense his future treachery. compare and contrast with torres, he (nando) got the kenny anthem (calp clap, clap clap clap etc) with in weeks and a bonafide song within months. it took years for owen to get the kenny anthem and owen 'song' was michael row your boat (or what ever those lyrics were) a truly rubbish song. if torres and fowler ranked a perfect 10 in regards to affection (I'm talking from a personal point of view) then owen ranked about a 3.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34487.msg900337#msg900337 date=1246725616]
Im not sure i agree with the deconstruction of history with regards to Owen@Lfc.
He was fucking great for us. He is dead to me now, but im not going to rewrite history.
Thanks Mikey. Now get ta fuck.
[/quote]
I never said he was anything other than terrific for liverpool but lets not kid ourselves the crowd didn't take to him like they took to fowler.
Im not sure i agree with the deconstruction of history with regards to Owen@Lfc.
He was fucking great for us. He is dead to me now, but im not going to rewrite history.
Thanks Mikey. Now get ta fuck.
[/quote]
I never said he was anything other than terrific for liverpool but lets not kid ourselves the crowd didn't take to him like they took to fowler.
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=34487.msg900338#msg900338 date=1246725985]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34487.msg900337#msg900337 date=1246725616]
Im not sure i agree with the deconstruction of history with regards to Owen@Lfc.
He was fucking great for us. He is dead to me now, but im not going to rewrite history.
Thanks Mikey. Now get ta fuck.
[/quote]
I never said he was anything other than terrific for liverpool but lets not kid ourselves the crowd didn't take to him like they took to fowler.
[/quote]I wasnt really talking about your post sweetheart.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=34487.msg900337#msg900337 date=1246725616]
Im not sure i agree with the deconstruction of history with regards to Owen@Lfc.
He was fucking great for us. He is dead to me now, but im not going to rewrite history.
Thanks Mikey. Now get ta fuck.
[/quote]
I never said he was anything other than terrific for liverpool but lets not kid ourselves the crowd didn't take to him like they took to fowler.
[/quote]I wasnt really talking about your post sweetheart.
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900330#msg900330 date=1246724938]
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900294#msg900294 date=1246720866]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900289#msg900289 date=1246720245]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=34487.msg900286#msg900286 date=1246719891]
"I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, who took over at Anfield during the summer, says he will use the money generated from the Owen transfer to continue his rebuilding at the club.
He added: "Real Madrid started talking with his agent and in the end it was an impossible situation to control."
[/quote]
[/quote]
Haha.. come on vlad, Owen more than happy to leave us as he did not say 1 bad thing about us. Hence its more than likely benitez was speaking the truth. So sorry that your image of Owen has been destroyed..
[/quote]
Every one thinks I am an Owenafile, I really don't care that much, I had no lofty image to be destroyed, likewise everyone thinks I am having a pop at Benitez, for his part in what I believe was the scenario, I'm not , it's just how I think it was, which is not everyones perception.
The only thing I had an issue with, up until he signed for United ,was what was unfair stick, that has clearly changed now he is a United player.
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
Rafa really is far more cunning and manipulative than most of you give him credit for , and before I get jumped on again, that is a compliment
regards
[/quote]
relax vladders 🙂 no one's jumping on no one. The last post was just a cheeky post. I accept different views so we're cool. I agree with you Rafa doesn't fancy Owen now.
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900294#msg900294 date=1246720866]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900289#msg900289 date=1246720245]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=34487.msg900286#msg900286 date=1246719891]
"I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, who took over at Anfield during the summer, says he will use the money generated from the Owen transfer to continue his rebuilding at the club.
He added: "Real Madrid started talking with his agent and in the end it was an impossible situation to control."
[/quote]
[/quote]
Haha.. come on vlad, Owen more than happy to leave us as he did not say 1 bad thing about us. Hence its more than likely benitez was speaking the truth. So sorry that your image of Owen has been destroyed..
[/quote]
Every one thinks I am an Owenafile, I really don't care that much, I had no lofty image to be destroyed, likewise everyone thinks I am having a pop at Benitez, for his part in what I believe was the scenario, I'm not , it's just how I think it was, which is not everyones perception.
The only thing I had an issue with, up until he signed for United ,was what was unfair stick, that has clearly changed now he is a United player.
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
Rafa really is far more cunning and manipulative than most of you give him credit for , and before I get jumped on again, that is a compliment
regards
[/quote]
relax vladders 🙂 no one's jumping on no one. The last post was just a cheeky post. I accept different views so we're cool. I agree with you Rafa doesn't fancy Owen now.
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900340#msg900340 date=1246726181]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900330#msg900330 date=1246724938]
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900294#msg900294 date=1246720866]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900289#msg900289 date=1246720245]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=34487.msg900286#msg900286 date=1246719891]
"I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, who took over at Anfield during the summer, says he will use the money generated from the Owen transfer to continue his rebuilding at the club.
He added: "Real Madrid started talking with his agent and in the end it was an impossible situation to control."
[/quote]
[/quote]
Haha.. come on vlad, Owen more than happy to leave us as he did not say 1 bad thing about us. Hence its more than likely benitez was speaking the truth. So sorry that your image of Owen has been destroyed..
[/quote]
Every one thinks I am an Owenafile, I really don't care that much, I had no lofty image to be destroyed, likewise everyone thinks I am having a pop at Benitez, for his part in what I believe was the scenario, I'm not , it's just how I think it was, which is not everyones perception.
The only thing I had an issue with, up until he signed for United ,was what was unfair stick, that has clearly changed now he is a United player.
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
Rafa really is far more cunning and manipulative than most of you give him credit for , and before I get jumped on again, that is a compliment
regards
[/quote]
relax vladders 🙂 no one's jumping on no one. The last post was just a cheeky post. I accept different views so we're cool. I agree with you Rafa doesn't fancy Owen now.
[/quote]
Chilled
regards
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900330#msg900330 date=1246724938]
[quote author=DCH link=topic=34487.msg900294#msg900294 date=1246720866]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900289#msg900289 date=1246720245]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=34487.msg900286#msg900286 date=1246719891]
"I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez, who took over at Anfield during the summer, says he will use the money generated from the Owen transfer to continue his rebuilding at the club.
He added: "Real Madrid started talking with his agent and in the end it was an impossible situation to control."
[/quote]
[/quote]
Haha.. come on vlad, Owen more than happy to leave us as he did not say 1 bad thing about us. Hence its more than likely benitez was speaking the truth. So sorry that your image of Owen has been destroyed..
[/quote]
Every one thinks I am an Owenafile, I really don't care that much, I had no lofty image to be destroyed, likewise everyone thinks I am having a pop at Benitez, for his part in what I believe was the scenario, I'm not , it's just how I think it was, which is not everyones perception.
The only thing I had an issue with, up until he signed for United ,was what was unfair stick, that has clearly changed now he is a United player.
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
Rafa really is far more cunning and manipulative than most of you give him credit for , and before I get jumped on again, that is a compliment
regards
[/quote]
relax vladders 🙂 no one's jumping on no one. The last post was just a cheeky post. I accept different views so we're cool. I agree with you Rafa doesn't fancy Owen now.
[/quote]
Chilled
regards
Sadly, I can see Berbatov and Owen linking up quite well.
He is a treacherous little shit.
What would be truly great would be if he had the same impact on the scum as he did on the Geordies. If they win fuck all over the next 2 years, HE will get blamed, which would be perfect. Then Slur Alex would get slated to fuck for actually signing him and his tenure come to an abrupt and distasteful end.
He is a treacherous little shit.
What would be truly great would be if he had the same impact on the scum as he did on the Geordies. If they win fuck all over the next 2 years, HE will get blamed, which would be perfect. Then Slur Alex would get slated to fuck for actually signing him and his tenure come to an abrupt and distasteful end.
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=34487.msg900330#msg900330 date=1246724938]
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
[/quote]
I'm not sure that's sufficient grounds to make that assumption, Vladders, my honourable friend. Owen was a much more appealing prospect, and much less of a gamble fitness-wise, when he was coming back from Madrid, and Rafa and/or the club did appear interested then. The fact that Rafa didn't appear interested THIS time surely isn't proof that he wasn't pre-cruciate injury?
I also think that on a free (and in addition not instead of anyone else we might buy), it might have been a good idea for us to have brought him in. The fact that we didn't only underlines my long held belief that Rafa just does not fancy him at all or even like him, his perogative and I am fine with that.
[/quote]
I'm not sure that's sufficient grounds to make that assumption, Vladders, my honourable friend. Owen was a much more appealing prospect, and much less of a gamble fitness-wise, when he was coming back from Madrid, and Rafa and/or the club did appear interested then. The fact that Rafa didn't appear interested THIS time surely isn't proof that he wasn't pre-cruciate injury?
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=34487.msg900195#msg900195 date=1246711676]
[quote author=Markeh link=topic=34487.msg900183#msg900183 date=1246709771]
"I was always clinging to the hope that he would ask me to come and play for them one day."
[/quote]
What a cunt.
[/quote]
^^^^^^^
[quote author=Markeh link=topic=34487.msg900183#msg900183 date=1246709771]
"I was always clinging to the hope that he would ask me to come and play for them one day."
[/quote]
What a cunt.
[/quote]
^^^^^^^
there is one good thing to come out of all this...
no more owen to liverpool threads that happened every fucking transfer window without fail.
no more owen to liverpool threads that happened every fucking transfer window without fail.
I much prefered it when he was the 'cunt''.
Re: Cunt
and THATS why the Kop never took to Michael Owen, we all KNEW!
We know our own,
Robbies Ours
Kenny's Ours
Carra and Nando are Ours
But Mickey we never took to you because we saw right through you!
(Apologies to the Beatles for stealing there lyrics)
We were looking through you
and what do you know?
We saw right through you
and what did it show?
It showed your selfish
looked out for number one
We're looking through you
and you play for scum!
and THATS why the Kop never took to Michael Owen, we all KNEW!
We know our own,
Robbies Ours
Kenny's Ours
Carra and Nando are Ours
But Mickey we never took to you because we saw right through you!
(Apologies to the Beatles for stealing there lyrics)
We were looking through you
and what do you know?
We saw right through you
and what did it show?
It showed your selfish
looked out for number one
We're looking through you
and you play for scum!
Re: Cunt
united will povide him with plenty of chances and he will score them - 16/1 to be top scorer!!!
united will povide him with plenty of chances and he will score them - 16/1 to be top scorer!!!
Re: Cunt
my thoughts ...
if i was **shudders** a manc fan:
(+)
1) they've bought a quality finisher on a free
2) they've pissed off almost all Liverpool fans
(-)
1) can he stay healthy for a full season?
2) is he the best they can do in this market?
as a Liverpool fan:
(+)
1) Manure have replaced Ronaldo & Tevez with Valencia & Owen
2) There's a real lack of width and pace on that team now
3) Owen hasn't won anything since he left Liverpool to win trophies. Let's hope his streak continues.
(-)
1) One of our all time greats has sold his soul to the devil
With regards to how he spoke at the conference, why is anyone surprised? I mean come on, he's trying to win over Manc fans and distance himself from his Red past.
my thoughts ...
if i was **shudders** a manc fan:
(+)
1) they've bought a quality finisher on a free
2) they've pissed off almost all Liverpool fans
(-)
1) can he stay healthy for a full season?
2) is he the best they can do in this market?
as a Liverpool fan:
(+)
1) Manure have replaced Ronaldo & Tevez with Valencia & Owen
2) There's a real lack of width and pace on that team now
3) Owen hasn't won anything since he left Liverpool to win trophies. Let's hope his streak continues.
(-)
1) One of our all time greats has sold his soul to the devil
With regards to how he spoke at the conference, why is anyone surprised? I mean come on, he's trying to win over Manc fans and distance himself from his Red past.
Re: Cunt
[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=34487.msg900428#msg900428 date=1246743317]
my thoughts ...
if i was **shudders** a manc fan:
(+)
1) they've bought a quality finisher on a free
2) they've pissed off almost all Liverpool fans
(-)
1) can he stay healthy for a full season?
2) is he the best they can do in this market?
as a Liverpool fan:
(+)
1) Manure have replaced Ronaldo & Tevez with Valencia & Cunt
2) There's a real lack of width and pace on that team now
3) Cunt hasn't won anything since he left Liverpool to win trophies. Let's hope his streak continues.
(-)
1) One of our all time greats has sold his soul to the devil
With regards to how he spoke at the conference, why is anyone surprised? I mean come on, he's trying to win over Manc fans and distance himself from his Red past.
[/quote]
there's still ages left in the transfer market - owen will not be there key forward signing there will be another super signing
[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=34487.msg900428#msg900428 date=1246743317]
my thoughts ...
if i was **shudders** a manc fan:
(+)
1) they've bought a quality finisher on a free
2) they've pissed off almost all Liverpool fans
(-)
1) can he stay healthy for a full season?
2) is he the best they can do in this market?
as a Liverpool fan:
(+)
1) Manure have replaced Ronaldo & Tevez with Valencia & Cunt
2) There's a real lack of width and pace on that team now
3) Cunt hasn't won anything since he left Liverpool to win trophies. Let's hope his streak continues.
(-)
1) One of our all time greats has sold his soul to the devil
With regards to how he spoke at the conference, why is anyone surprised? I mean come on, he's trying to win over Manc fans and distance himself from his Red past.
[/quote]
there's still ages left in the transfer market - owen will not be there key forward signing there will be another super signing
Re: Cunt
By CHRIS BASCOMBE, 04/07/2009
MICHAEL OWEN would have taken a £100,000-a-week pay CUT to rejoin Liverpool.
Even while Owen was in negotiations with Manchester United, efforts were made on his behalf to force an Anfield intervention.
The England striker was so desperate to return to the club where he emerged as a world-class goalscorer that he would have accepted a basic salary of just £25,000-a-week plus goal and appearance bonuses.
But Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez's doubts over Owen's form, fitness and desire to put his club before his England ambitions ensured he rejected repeated attempts to persuade him to re-sign the player he sold five years ago.
Benitez also recalled how Owen upset the Anfield faithful twice when he left in 2004 and then failed to return in 2005. The Kop boss had no intention of risking being jilted a third time by trying to hijack the United swoop.
Owen had earlier delayed a decision on his future in the forlorn hope his old club would make a move. As the doctors awaited Owen's arrival at Carrington, phone calls were being made in a bid to ignite Liverpool's interest.
Co-owner George Gillett was particularly keen to sign the 29-year-old, having first met Owen in the Colorado clinic where he underwent knee surgery after the 2006 World Cup.
But by Thursday, Sir Alex Ferguson's powers of persuasion had killed Owen's lingering Kop loyalties. Ferguson convinced him to turn his back on both the Merseyside clubs, after Everton had put together a £2.4million-a-year package.
Owen met Goodison boss David Moyes in Miami and was impressed with the Scot's plans for next season. Moyes was prepared to restructure his side to accommodate Owen and was in prime position to sign him.
Chairman Bill Kenwright was also keen on a deal, feeling it would lay down a marker of his club's ambitions.
But Owen was wary of crossing the Stanley Park divide, unwavering in his belief that he belongs on a Champions League stage and can force his way back into Fabio Capello's World Cup plans.
Fergie
UNITED BOSS - Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson moved swiftly with a call to Owen on Wednesday morning and, by Thursday night, a £50,000-a-week contract. Owen could double that figure, though, with goals and appearances to take him close to the £125,000 he was earning at Newcastle.
Ferguson's United will relish the fact Liverpool fans will be cursing more than ever if Owen denies them future titles, because the Kop refused first option of taking the striker back.
Yet it will take only a tweak of Owen's hamstring - or the unveiling of an alternative top-class back-up for Fernando Torres - to justify Benitez's stance. Owen's recent injury record meant Rafa was cautious about taking a sentimental journey.
He is also concerned about what level of transfer resources he has at his disposal, even for bargain deals. That is unlike Fergie, who knows he can afford to make a mistake.
The Spanish boss will be relieved that a saga which began weeks after his arrival from Valencia has come to an emphatic end.
Repeated efforts by Owen's admirers to secure his return to Liverpool were visibly irritating Benitez, always unconvinced of the merits. He insisted he wanted to look to the future, not Liverpool's past.
He was upset at the timing of the striker's departure for Real Madrid in 2004, a month after Rafa became Liverpool boss, but felt more annoyed when Owen did not hold out for an Anfield move a year down the line - despite face-to-face talks and a pledge to take him six months later.
At that time, Benitez felt Owen had shown he was more concerned about being prepared for the 2006 World Cup than playing for Liverpool.
Since then, Benitez has regularly made public his resistance to signing him.
Rafa Benitez
KOP BOSS - Rafa Benitez
The United transfer effectively ends four years of Owen regularly pleading to return to Anfield. There were approaches by his representatives to secure a Liverpool move every season he spent on Tyneside.
Now Owen has crossed a line no Liverpool fan will accept. The former Kop idol can expect a torrid reception after becoming the first player to join both clubs since Paul Ince.
Ironically, the summer began with Liverpool pursuing a United favourite, Carlos Tevez.
If Liverpool's forlorn pursuit of the South American temporarily crept under the skin of the Stretford End, it pales into insignificance to the back spasms felt on The Kop at the sight of Owen now at Old Trafford.
The failure even to acknowledge his Anfield past when unveiled on Friday, or appreciate the despair felt on Merseyside at the sight of him in a United shirt, hurt Liverpool fans even more.
Ferguson has never made football decisions for anything other than football reasons. But he will be cunningly aware of the wider repercussions.
There is an unavoidable sense the North West superpowers are making transfer decisions they hope will come back to haunt each other.
And while many claim Fergie has taken a gamble on Owen, it may also be argued Rafa has taken a punt in ignoring him.
By CHRIS BASCOMBE, 04/07/2009
MICHAEL OWEN would have taken a £100,000-a-week pay CUT to rejoin Liverpool.
Even while Owen was in negotiations with Manchester United, efforts were made on his behalf to force an Anfield intervention.
The England striker was so desperate to return to the club where he emerged as a world-class goalscorer that he would have accepted a basic salary of just £25,000-a-week plus goal and appearance bonuses.
But Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez's doubts over Owen's form, fitness and desire to put his club before his England ambitions ensured he rejected repeated attempts to persuade him to re-sign the player he sold five years ago.
Benitez also recalled how Owen upset the Anfield faithful twice when he left in 2004 and then failed to return in 2005. The Kop boss had no intention of risking being jilted a third time by trying to hijack the United swoop.
Owen had earlier delayed a decision on his future in the forlorn hope his old club would make a move. As the doctors awaited Owen's arrival at Carrington, phone calls were being made in a bid to ignite Liverpool's interest.
Co-owner George Gillett was particularly keen to sign the 29-year-old, having first met Owen in the Colorado clinic where he underwent knee surgery after the 2006 World Cup.
But by Thursday, Sir Alex Ferguson's powers of persuasion had killed Owen's lingering Kop loyalties. Ferguson convinced him to turn his back on both the Merseyside clubs, after Everton had put together a £2.4million-a-year package.
Owen met Goodison boss David Moyes in Miami and was impressed with the Scot's plans for next season. Moyes was prepared to restructure his side to accommodate Owen and was in prime position to sign him.
Chairman Bill Kenwright was also keen on a deal, feeling it would lay down a marker of his club's ambitions.
But Owen was wary of crossing the Stanley Park divide, unwavering in his belief that he belongs on a Champions League stage and can force his way back into Fabio Capello's World Cup plans.
Fergie
UNITED BOSS - Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson moved swiftly with a call to Owen on Wednesday morning and, by Thursday night, a £50,000-a-week contract. Owen could double that figure, though, with goals and appearances to take him close to the £125,000 he was earning at Newcastle.
Ferguson's United will relish the fact Liverpool fans will be cursing more than ever if Owen denies them future titles, because the Kop refused first option of taking the striker back.
Yet it will take only a tweak of Owen's hamstring - or the unveiling of an alternative top-class back-up for Fernando Torres - to justify Benitez's stance. Owen's recent injury record meant Rafa was cautious about taking a sentimental journey.
He is also concerned about what level of transfer resources he has at his disposal, even for bargain deals. That is unlike Fergie, who knows he can afford to make a mistake.
The Spanish boss will be relieved that a saga which began weeks after his arrival from Valencia has come to an emphatic end.
Repeated efforts by Owen's admirers to secure his return to Liverpool were visibly irritating Benitez, always unconvinced of the merits. He insisted he wanted to look to the future, not Liverpool's past.
He was upset at the timing of the striker's departure for Real Madrid in 2004, a month after Rafa became Liverpool boss, but felt more annoyed when Owen did not hold out for an Anfield move a year down the line - despite face-to-face talks and a pledge to take him six months later.
At that time, Benitez felt Owen had shown he was more concerned about being prepared for the 2006 World Cup than playing for Liverpool.
Since then, Benitez has regularly made public his resistance to signing him.
Rafa Benitez
KOP BOSS - Rafa Benitez
The United transfer effectively ends four years of Owen regularly pleading to return to Anfield. There were approaches by his representatives to secure a Liverpool move every season he spent on Tyneside.
Now Owen has crossed a line no Liverpool fan will accept. The former Kop idol can expect a torrid reception after becoming the first player to join both clubs since Paul Ince.
Ironically, the summer began with Liverpool pursuing a United favourite, Carlos Tevez.
If Liverpool's forlorn pursuit of the South American temporarily crept under the skin of the Stretford End, it pales into insignificance to the back spasms felt on The Kop at the sight of Owen now at Old Trafford.
The failure even to acknowledge his Anfield past when unveiled on Friday, or appreciate the despair felt on Merseyside at the sight of him in a United shirt, hurt Liverpool fans even more.
Ferguson has never made football decisions for anything other than football reasons. But he will be cunningly aware of the wider repercussions.
There is an unavoidable sense the North West superpowers are making transfer decisions they hope will come back to haunt each other.
And while many claim Fergie has taken a gamble on Owen, it may also be argued Rafa has taken a punt in ignoring him.
Re: Cunt
I agree. 'Cunt' reads much better.
I agree. 'Cunt' reads much better.
Re: Cunt
Bascombe in tomorrow's NOTW really ties himself in knots trying to cover every angle. He basically manages to suggest Cunt 'delayed' moving to the mancs (this in the lightning fast discussions that took place!) in case we signed him. And he wasn't sure about going to Everton because he didn't want to offend Reds fans, but he didn't bother about offending Reds fans after signing for the mancs. And Rafa might be an idiot or a genius for snubbing him. And Ginsoak might be an idiot or a genius for signing him. Bascombe, you really are an incoherent loon these days!
Bascombe in tomorrow's NOTW really ties himself in knots trying to cover every angle. He basically manages to suggest Cunt 'delayed' moving to the mancs (this in the lightning fast discussions that took place!) in case we signed him. And he wasn't sure about going to Everton because he didn't want to offend Reds fans, but he didn't bother about offending Reds fans after signing for the mancs. And Rafa might be an idiot or a genius for snubbing him. And Ginsoak might be an idiot or a genius for signing him. Bascombe, you really are an incoherent loon these days!
Re: Cunt
[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=34487.msg900438#msg900438 date=1246744663]
Bascombe in tomorrow's NOTW really ties himself in knots trying to cover every angle. He basically manages to suggest Cunt 'delayed' moving to the mancs (this in the lightning fast discussions that took place!) in case we signed him. And he wasn't sure about going to Everton because he didn't want to offend Reds fans, but he didn't bother about offending Reds fans after signing for the mancs. And Rafa might be an idiot or a genius for snubbing him. And Ginsoak might be an idiot or a genius for signing him. Bascombe, you really are an incoherent loon these days!
[/quote]
To be fair Macca, it seems it was ambition rather than sensitivities. His dad played for Everton so that would not have been an issue really.
"But 0wen was wary of crossing the Stanley Park divide, unwavering in his belief that he belongs on a Champions League stage and can force his way back into Fabio Capello's World Cup plans."
regards
[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=34487.msg900438#msg900438 date=1246744663]
Bascombe in tomorrow's NOTW really ties himself in knots trying to cover every angle. He basically manages to suggest Cunt 'delayed' moving to the mancs (this in the lightning fast discussions that took place!) in case we signed him. And he wasn't sure about going to Everton because he didn't want to offend Reds fans, but he didn't bother about offending Reds fans after signing for the mancs. And Rafa might be an idiot or a genius for snubbing him. And Ginsoak might be an idiot or a genius for signing him. Bascombe, you really are an incoherent loon these days!
[/quote]
To be fair Macca, it seems it was ambition rather than sensitivities. His dad played for Everton so that would not have been an issue really.
"But 0wen was wary of crossing the Stanley Park divide, unwavering in his belief that he belongs on a Champions League stage and can force his way back into Fabio Capello's World Cup plans."
regards
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