Owen Wouldn't DARE Return To SJP If He Joined Man Utd

Last updated : 16 April 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Glenn Roeder has rubbished rumours linking Owen with a move to Manchester United, and until the ex-Real Madrid striker proves he has fully recovered from that horror injury he picked up in Germany, I cannot believe Man Utd would even think of offering £12m.

We all know about that £12million release clause in the 27-year-old's contract. The one Freddy Shepherd said was not there ... but the player himself admitted to. And we know Michael Owen owes Newcastle United and its fans a hell of a lot.

If he walked out in the summer, after Newcastle have paid his £100,000 per-week wages for 16 months without any reward, I don't think Owen would be welcome at St James' Park ever again.

All the more reason for Roeder to blast any idea of a transfer.

Roeder: "It's all news to me.

"But I certainly haven't waited all these months to write Michael Owen's name on my team-sheet to even contemplate selling him.

"Michael is a very big part of my plans for next season and I know he's been as frustrated as everyone else and can't wait to start playing for Newcastle again.

"Personally, I can't wait to see him scoring goals for us that no-one else can."

Roeder says only one person will decide when the player is ready for action again ... and that is Owen himself!

Roeder watched the 27-year-old score in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Gretna on Tuesday after 10 months out recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. However, neither Owen or fellow striker Shola Ameobi, who scored in the same game following his return from hip surgery, will be considered for the match against Chelsea.

Roeder: "Michael is a very sensible, serious person who would not rush himself back.

"If I asked him to play and he felt he was not ready, he would tell me.

"Michael will know when he is ready to play, like Shola. Whether that is this season or not, we will have to wait and see.

"But the practice game this week was a big, big step forward because the next morning both were feeling really fine with no problems."

Owen: "I felt really sharp, but to be honest, I always felt I would be. It was great to be out there and good to score, although I suppose it was not what people would call a typical Michael Owen goal.

"I have been though a lot with Shola Ameobi in recent months and it was super to see him score as well on Tuesday.

"Now I cannot wait to start scoring goals again for Newcastle."