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Michael Owen to retire if United contract is not renewed

The contract of ex-Liverpool star striker Michael Owen at Manchester United is due to expire at the end of this season. His start to the current campaign has been hindered by injuries. In his first season at United, Owen scored 9 goals in all competitions for United and he scored another three for United this season despite being in the starting eleven only once in the match against Sunderland. The Manchester United Number Seven has yet to enter into contract talks with his manager and club administration, and has admitted that if the club were not to renew his contract, he would find it very difficult to play for another lower status team. He stated that if United decide not to retain his services, he may opt to quit his playing career altogether.

Manchester United's Michael Owen celebrates after scoring during their English Premier League soccer match against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, northern England, September 26, 2010. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) NO ONLINE/INTERNET USAGE WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO LTD. FOR LICENCE ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE ++44 (0)

Should he decide to quit, he said that he wants to enjoy success in the Premier League or Champions League with the club before doing so. When fit, Owen is an important asset up front for the club, providing cover for Rooney and Berbatov. The arrival and sudden impact of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has put Owen’s position at the club in doubt, but Michael would still love to stay and fight for a first team place. Owen did not rule out a career in management once his playing days are over, and he is already studying for his coaching badges. Another hobby which he will enjoy after retirement from playing will be horse racing. The comments of the Number 7 striker when interviewed by The Sun were:

“I would honestly love to stay but you will have to ask the manager about the long term. I could score at this level for many years and would love it to be at a top club like United.”

“Whether I would want to be dropping down to a poorer Premier League team, I don’t know. Yes, I could score goals but I would probably get less opportunities and less enjoyment. I just don’t feel my game is suited to a team that is really struggling. I won’t drop down leagues. I have played in big teams before and played every game and I have played in a struggling team. I know which I prefer. When you play here, you play with quality.”

“It would not only round off my career, but put it to bed. I’m on my second stage of coaching badges and management is a real possibility. Horse racing will always be a big part of my life but, if there’s a job going forward, it will be in football.”

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