Manchester United has awarded Michael Owen a new deal, which will keep him at Old Trafford for one more season. This is keeping in line with the club's policy of awarding one-year contracts to players over 30. Owen had maintained a desire to stay with the club despite reports that he would leave in search of more playing time elsewhere.
Owen was a surprise addition to the United squad in the summer of 2009. Sir Alex Ferguson was looking to solidify the team's attacking options after the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. After stints at Real Madrid and Newcastle (where he opted not to renew his contract following the club's relegation), a lot of people expected to see Owen back in a red jersey; just not that of Manchester United, considering the heated rivalry between United and Liverpool. It was at Liverpool after all, that Owen established himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
While United fans weren't exactly thrilled about his addition, Owen won them over when he scored an injury-time winner in his first "Manchester Derby" that saw United claim a 4-3 win over Manchester City. This derby had even bigger storyline, as it marked the first time that Carlos Tevez was returning to Old Trafford since joining the City (or the “noisy neighbours” as Sir Alex calls them).
While Owen started off well at United, his hopes for a recall to the national team were dashed after a hamstring injury in the Carling Cup final ruled him out for the rest of the season. Injuries have often played the part of Mr. Hyde to his Dr. Jekyll. Had Owen remained healthy, United's chances at retaining the Premier League title would have looked a lot better. His injuries also played a part in him not getting as much playing time last season.
After having met the league minimum "10 match appearances", Owen qualified to receive a league winner's medal; a prize that had eluded him during his time at Liverpool. The desire to remain at a top club and the opportunity to win more trophies were things that Owen wasn't about to give up so easily; and quite frankly, I don't blame him.
In what is building up to be an exciting season, United will not only be looking to retain the league title, but add more silverware to their haul. There is no doubt that a healthy Michael Owen figures to be a key role in the forthcoming campaign.
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