Michael Owen dreaming of scoring Champions League winner for Manchester United

Michael Owen, Manchester United (Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Michael Owen has admitted that the thought of scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final has kept him motivated in training.

The striker has become more of a fringe player for Manchester United this season due to the superb form of Javier Hernandez.

But United’s habit of scoring late goals has persuaded him that he can play a part in his side’s run-in as they chase a league and cup double.

“Even if it is just one goal or one good performance, everyone is going to play their part,” Owen told reporters.

“I was in the stand on Tuesday against Schalke. You are feeling sorry for yourself thinking I would like to be on the pitch or on the bench.

“Next to you is Wes Brown, who has dozens of England caps and John O’Shea, who has got even more for the Republic of Ireland. Darron Gibson is also an international.

“They are not even getting stripped. That tells you everything about the squad of players we have got.

“I suppose I am dreaming of coming off the bench and scoring the stoppage-time winner in the Champions League final.

“That is the motivation that drives me on. Every day I have to be ready and prepared to come in and do something.”

Owen has played nine times in the league for United this season, starting just one of those games against Sunderland and scoring only once against Bolton Wanderers.

However, he maintains that he will not be embarrassed to receive a winner’s medal should United go on to win the league.

He added: “There are players who would be 10 times more deserving of a Premier League medal in this team than me, so it is not as though I will be flashing it around.

“But there is no point being embarrassed about accepting something you have been part of.
“I didn’t get two medals for scoring two goals in the FA Cup final in 2001.

“I have won plenty in my career but I have not won the two big ones. That would complete the set.

“There is still quite a way to go, so let’s hope there is something to pick up at the end of the season.”