The Ballon d'Or winner who tried to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Man United but failed

Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United in the 2009-10 season, Sir Alex Ferguson turned to a familiar face to fill the void: Michael Owen. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, who had won the Ballon d'Or in 2001, arrived at Old Trafford with high hopes. Inheriting Ronaldo's iconic number 7 shirt, Owen was expected to be the new talisman for the Red Devils.

A Dream Move Turns Sour

Despite his pedigree and experience at the highest level, Owen's time at Manchester United was far from successful. While he managed to score some important goals, particularly in cup competitions, his overall impact on the team was limited. Plagued by injuries and a loss of pace, Owen struggled to replicate the kind of form that had made him one of the most feared strikers in world football.

A Statistical Breakdown

In his first season at Old Trafford, Owen managed a respectable nine goals in the Premier League. However, his goal-scoring rate declined significantly in subsequent seasons, with just eight goals in his final two campaigns. Overall, he scored 17 goals in 52 Premier League appearances for United, a far cry from the expectations placed on him.

Reasons for Failure

There are several reasons why Owen's move to Manchester United did not work out as planned:

• Injuries: Perhaps the biggest factor in Owen's failure was his persistent injury problems. His fragile body was unable to cope with the demands of Premier League football, and he spent long periods on the sidelines.
• Age: By the time he joined United, Owen was already 30 years old and his pace had begun to diminish. The high-intensity style of play demanded by Ferguson made it difficult for him to adapt.
• The Shadow of Ronaldo: It was always going to be difficult for any player to live up to the expectations created by Ronaldo's departure. Owen was constantly compared to the Portuguese superstar, and inevitably fell short.
• Lack of Physicality: The Premier League is a physical league, and Owen's slight frame made him vulnerable to challenges from defenders.

A Disappointing End

Owen's time at Manchester United was ultimately a disappointment. While he will always be remembered as one of England's greatest strikers, his spell at Old Trafford was a reminder that even the most talented players can struggle to adapt to new surroundings.