By Mark Ogden
Michael Owen’s three-year stay at Manchester United is set to come to an end today (Thurs) with the club expected to confirm that the former England forward will not be offered a new contract.
Owen, 32, appeared to have made his final appearance for United during a 62 minute outing in Harry Gregg’s testimonial against Irish League Select XI in Belfast on Tuesday.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker, a free transfer signing in July 2009, is out of contract next month and had been expected to be released by United after injuries restricted him to just four appearances this season — his last competitive action being a Champions League clash against Otelul Galati last November.
But despite his limited contribution during the past 12 months, Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have considered extending Owen’s contract for a further year when it expires at the end of June.
Owen is known to be happy at United, having accepted his role as a squad player rather regular starter, and Ferguson has been impressed by his contribution within the dressing-room and among the club’s younger players.
But with United due to submit their list of retained and released players to the Premier League by Saturday lunchtime, Owen’s fate is expected to become clear today, with his injury-ravaged time at Old Trafford set to come to an end.
