Former Manchester United and Liverpool star Michael Owen has named a combined XI from the two teams [Premier League site].
However, the ex-England international has been rather harsh on the Merseyside outfit, naming only three of their players in the team. The Red Devils heavy side has been named ahead of the two clubs facing each other on Saturday.
The encounter will be a good judge of where Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers’ sides are this season. Both have had a mixed set of results so far, with the Anfield based side scraping two 1-0 victories from their four games as well as losing 0-3 to West Ham.
Meanwhile, United also have two wins under their belt, but have lost to Swansea City and drawn with Newcastle United. With the duo both hoping to qualify for the Champions League through their Premier League finish in May, whoever wins at Old Trafford this weekend could have a massive psychological advantage.
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GK) David De Gea
Owen: “I was fortunate enough to be at Manchester United when we signed him, and he is a phenomenal goalkeeper. He is one of the top few, now, in the world.”
RB) Matteo Darmian
Owen: “I have been really impressed with him. It was quite a close call between him and Nathaniel Clyne, but I am going to go for Darmian. He was played particularly well for Manchester United, marauding down that right-hand side.”
LB) Luke Shaw
Owen: “This was an easy decision. He is a real favourite of mine in many ways. He’s a fabulous football player. He is going to be a mainstay for Manchester United and England for many years to come.”
CB) Martin Skrtel
Owen: “He’s developed into a real mainstay of the Liverpool team. He’s hard, he’s tough, he’s robust. He never misses many matches. He scores the odd goal as well, and he’s one of the first names on the Liverpool team sheet for Brendan Rodgers, week in, week out.”
CB) Chris Smalling
Owen: “I trained with Chris for many years at United. He’s got real qualities as a defender. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, and those three alone make it very hard for anybody to play against.”
CM) Michael Carrick
Owen: “He remains Manchester United’s best central midfield player. I was fortunate enough to play with him many times. Two-footed, he’s got a great football brain and is a real undervalued player. When you play alongside him you appreciate what he gives to the team.”
CM) Bastian Schweinsteiger
Owen: “It’s difficult to leave out Bastian Schweinsteiger, with all that he’s won and his experience. He’s a two-footed player, he’s tough, he can get about the pitch. He’s going to be a vital cog in the wheel of Manchester United.”
RAM) Philippe Coutinho
Owen: “I would put Coutinho on the right of the three behind the striker. He’s developed into one of the best players in that type of position, behind the centre-forwards, liking to come in off the flanks or stay in that position. He’s a world-class player, Liverpool’s best, arguably. He’s the first person to start off play, to try to score or assist a goal. There may not be many Liverpool names on my list but Coutinho would be one of the first.”
LAM) Memphis Depay
Owen: “He’s had a good start to his Manchester United career. He scores goals, creates goals. He’s got a great physique, he’s quick and strong. He gets in down the left.”
CAM) Wayne Rooney
Owen: “I would play Wayne Rooney in behind my striker. He’s got a great scoring record. He’s going to be an all-time leading goalscorer for Manchester United and England. He’s a great friend as well, and I don’t think anyone will argue with his inclusion in the team.”
ST) Christian Benteke
Owen: “He’s the modern type of striker. He can lead the line. He’s big, he’s strong and can bring others into play. He can score with his feet and his head. As a lone striker he will certainly occupy both centre-backs.”
