Michael Owen has revealed he is determined to make a success of his shock transfer to Manchester United. "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands," said Owen, who has scored 242 goals in 505 games at club and international level. "I want to thank Sir Alex Ferguson for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances," said the 29-year old striker.
Owen's signing represents something of a gamble for Ferguson, who chose Owen to strengthen his attacking options after primary target, Lyon's French striker Karim Benzema, declared his intention to move to Real Madrid. "Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish," said the Scot. "He is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level."
If Championship League football and linking up with England forward Wayne Rooney sees Owen rediscover his prolific goalscoring pedigree ahead of next summer's World Cup, Ferguson's gamble might just pay off for club and country. Meanwhile, Roberto Di Matteo's switch from MK Dons to West Brom has allowed Paul Ince to return to the MK Stadium. Ince, who won the League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in his first spell at the club, left the Dons last August for an ill-fated 17-game tenure at Premiership side Blackburn Rovers.
Another player going back to where he made his name is former Liverpool striker Kenny Dalglish. The Scotsman, who won eight League titles in 14 years with the Reds as a player and manager, has returned to Anfield to take up a senior position at the club's academy. Dalglish will also act as a club ambassador. emegson@thenational.ae