Profile Michael Owen (Man United)

MICHAEL OWEN

Owen netted his first goal for United back from injury in a 7–1 pre-season victory against a League of Ireland XI on 4 August 2010 at the newly builtAviva Stadium.^[69] On 22 September 2010, Owen netted his first goals of the season as he netted twice during a 5–2 away win over Scunthorpe United in the 3rd round of the League Cup.^[70] Four days later Owen scored his first league goal of the season as he netted United's second equaliser with his first touch in a 2–2 away draw against Bolton Wanderers.^[71]Owen's first goal of 2011 came in United's 2–1 FA Cup victory over Southampton at the St Mary's Stadium on 29 January.^[72] On the 25 February, United manager Alex Ferguson said that Owen was a key part of his squad for the rest of the season. However, he suffered a groin injury and missed his team's next four games. His return match was on the 19 March when he returned to the bench for United's game against Bolton.

By the time of United's penultimate game of the season, he had reached the number of league appearances required for a title winner's medal - his first in 15 seasons as a professional.^[73] The game, on 14 May 2011, only required United to draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park to win the title, and a 1–1 draw secured it for them. Owen was an unused substitute in the game.^[74] Owen scored United's final goal in the Red Devils' last league game of the season, at home to Blackpool, in which the Reds won 4–2.

He was an unused substitute in Man United's uninspiring 2011 Champions League Final defeat to FC Barcelona marking the end of his season. He signed a one-year extension to his contract on 1 June 2011.^[75]