Good point, well made.

Football - Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool Barclays Premier League

Carragher admits Liverpool’s rivalry with United makes it impossible for him to wish his close friend a successful time at Old Trafford.

But he predicts the reds from the opposite end of the East Lancs Road will once again be the team to beat if Liverpool are to end a 20-year wait for the title.

Carragher said: “Signing Michael Owen.was a clever piece of business by United and he has started really well for them in pre-season.

“In a way I am pleased he’s got a move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle.

“Why? What did the lad do wrong up there? “For me, Michael Owen.is still a great player and a great role model and I have this feeling he’ll be good for United.

“Michael is a good friend of mine, but he plays for our biggest rivals now so he’ll know won’t want him to carry on scoring once the season starts.

“He’s scored a lot of goals in the first few games for United and I hope he scores a few more pre-season because I want him to do well.

“But as soon as the season starts I hope he has a drought!

“That’s only right because hopefully we are going to be big rivals again this season.” (Daily Mirror)

I can only echo Jamie’s thoughts on the matter. I know Michael Owen angered many fans, me included, when he left for Real Madrid but he’s still a Liverpool legend in my book and whilst the idea of seeing him in a United shirt is going to leave me requiring therapy I also think that Sir Alex has made a wise acquisition and one that may well end up being a big success.

His impressive Pre-season form could well lead the England man to play a more important role at Old Trafford than many had first thought. It seemed more likely the former Newcastle man would be employed as an impact player coming off the bench but Ferguson may well try to give him more of a run in the first team and to be honest he has never stopped scoring regularly even when at St James’ Park and clearly it’s only injury problems that have blunted his standing in the game.

With the World Cup less than a year away expect Mikey to be trying his hardest to get the attention of Fabio Capello as he attempts to draw closer to the all time scorers record.

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