Next Game

A-League All Stars v Man Utd

Saturday, 20 July 2013, 16:00

Friendly Match

The Hawthorns

Last Game

West Brom 5 - 5 Man Utd

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Owen: United can win CL crown

Michael Owen believes that Sir Alex Ferguson will have his sights firmly set on another European title this year.

Last Updated: 05/03/13 at 18:55 Post Comment

The Stoke striker was talking to Sky Sports ahead of the second leg clash between Manchester United and Real Madrid on Tuesday.

He is anticipating a closely contested affair at Old Trafford, but Owen thinks Ferguson will be confident he can lead his team to Champions League glory for a third time.

"Sir Alex Ferguson at the minute has got one of the best teams he has ever assembled," Owen told Sky Sports. "He will be thinking what a waste if we don't win another Champions League in the next few years.

"This year his team are pretty healthy, no main players are injured, they are in good form and everything is perfect in the United camp at the moment and you have to take advantage."

Owen does not anticipate any players will freeze in what is a huge clash.

"Playing in big games, that is what it is all about," he said.

"A lot of these United players have come through from an early age and they have played in some of the biggest games, likewise in the Madrid team. From the outside you can think the pressure is too much but this is another game. They will get that tingle in the stomach, it is big, but once the whistle goes they will use that to drive them on."

Owen feels that Cristiano Ronaldo will have to be marked closely.

"Ronaldo is the best player on the pitch, so he has to be stopped," he said.

"You can't always stop him and you just have to quieten him down but I'm sure if you ask him if Real don't win the title he would want United to win. But he is not going to be upset if he scores a goal, that is what he is paid to do."

Owen cannot see Ferguson going for a defensive approach.

"They are different types of managers, from the outside Mourinho looks quite astute, tactical and more defensive minded than Sir Alex," he said.

"Sir Alex just has utter belief in his team that they will out score anyone and he has always had an entertaining team that plays wingers and strikers and it is in his blood to be attacking, whereas Mourinho is more cautious."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

T

rue. Stoke, Sunderland and Swindon also showed no interest in him.

udangapi
Carra puzzled by no interest

H

ang on, why are journalists asking a manager who has never won a major honour for his opinion on a manger who has won two European Cups and league titles in four different countries?

darcy_171
Sam backs 'mature' Mourinho

Footer 365

Romelu Lukaku waits on Chelsea decision after West Brom loan ends

Romelu Lukaku says his future is out of his hands and he will wait to see what happens when he returns to Chelsea.

Premier League: Alan Pardew keen to keep Yohan Cabaye and other Newcastle stars

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he has a nervous summer ahead as he tries to keep his squad together.

Sigurdsson: Keeping Bale vital

Gylfi Sigurdsson knows it is vital Tottenham keep hold of Gareth Bale this summer if they want to return to the Champions League.

Mail Box

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved