Manchester United and Liverpool, two of Michael Owen’s former clubs, are set to reignite their fierce rivalry this Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
United are hoping to secure a spot in next month’s semi-final at Wembley Stadium by defeating Jurgen Klopp’s team. However, Liverpool is on track to win four trophies this season – they’ve already bagged the Carabao Cup and are still in the running for the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
This Sunday’s FA Cup match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for bragging rights. One person who knows what it’s like to play for both sides is Michael Owen. The former striker netted 158 goals for Liverpool after graduating from their academy. After stints at Real Madrid and Newcastle, he joined United under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009.
His transfer to Old Trafford didn’t sit well with Liverpool fans, and Owen admitted that he ‘hated’ going back to Merseyside. Despite switching sides, Owen feels there’s now mutual respect between him and both clubs, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“Well, I’m absolutely fine at both. I’m respected at Man United; the derby winner, Champions League hat-trick, goal in a cup final. It’s not like I’m one of their own, we know that, but there’s mutual respect and good memories,” he shared with the Daily Mail in 2021.
Michael Owen joined Manchester United in 2009, a move that ruined his reputation among Liverpool fans
“But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it’s in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits.”
“It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout, ‘You Manc’, but I can put it in a box. It doesn’t stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra [Jamie Carragher] or Stevie [Steven Gerrard].”
Michael Owen and Paul Ince are two of the most high-profile figures to have played for both Man Utd and Liverpool in recent times
“They won the Champions League the season I left. I wanted my mates to win, absolutely, but part of me was gutted, “God, that could have been me”. I have to accept that. It was my decision to leave.”
Owen won a cup treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup with Liverpool in 2001 – including his famous late brace against Arsenal in the FA Cup – and another League Cup in 2003.
