Michael Owen produced a spectacular performance at the Volkswagen Arena to guide Manchester United to a victory against Wolfsburg in their final Group match of the Champions League. The former Liverpool hitman went on to score his first hat trick for United in a European game.
In the build up to this game, many pundits had predicted a historic defeat for Man United due to their injury woes. But Michael Owen and 'one defender' helped United win the group and avoid some of the top teams from Europe like Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson landed in Germany without 14 recognized senior players, including eight defenders. Injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Jonny Evans kept them in Manchester while Ryan Giggs was rested and Owen Hargreaves is still preparing for his comeback.
Though Oliver Gill (son of CEO David Gill) traveled with the team but he did not feature in the game as Fergie played Michael Carrick in a sweeper's role, with Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra flanking the England international.This tactical change meant Ferguson had to abandon his traditional back four. Another tactical change for this game saw United with two strikers. Normally Fergie likes to play with one striker in Wayne Rooney, but last night he used two strikers in Daniel Welbeck and Michael Owen.
The defeat for Wolfsburg denies the German champions their first last 16 appearance in European competition. I think they have themselves to blame for this as they were lackluster in the first half. Wolfsburg saw some transformation in the second period and rallied through Edin Dzeko's goal on 56 minutes. But it was Michael Owen's day as he went to score his first hat trick for United since his summer move from Newcastle.
Michael Owen takes his tally to seven goals this season so far and his manager was quick to praise his striker. Fergie said, "Michael is one of the best strikers in the last third of the field in terms of his movement, his positional play and also in terms of his finishing."
I believe Owen must be specifically happy with his performance as he reminded his national coach Fabio Capello of his talent. Even Sir Alex Ferguson backed Owen to make it to South Africa next year for the World Cup.
Are you listening Mr. Capello?
Are you listening Mr. Capello?
