Leeds vs Manchester United: Can Michael Owen Win His Place Back?

Some Manchester United fans may have felt like they had gone through a time machine after watching last night's 3-0 Carling Cup victory over Leeds United based on the key players from the match: Dimitar Berbatov (for his skillful... defending?), Ryan Giggs and former England captain Michael Owen.

Owen, 31, made only 11 league appearances for United last season, hadn't been in a starting squad since January and had yet to make an appearance for United this season. But last night at Elland Road, he proved he's still got plenty to offer. The striker scored two very well-executed goals for the Red Devils, and led Sir Alex Ferguson to laud him as "one of England’s best finishers."

Injuries and competition have led to Owen getting shuffled out of the lineup—when he wasn't recovering (it was a groin injury last year, hamstring the season before) he had to compete with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernández, Dimitar Berbatov and promising newcomer Danny Welbeck for a spot on the first team—or even sometimes as a sub.

But Sir Alex went on to say that he didn't think Owen "was getting the games he deserves," so perhaps his strong performance last night will see him return to the lineup.

Owen, like many talented players fighting for first-team (or even regular sub) status, is motivated by the need to deliver to get that time on the pitch. He proved he's still got it against Leeds, so perhaps we'll see Sir Alex easing him back into the lineup.

I don't think he'll start anytime soon, but expect him to make more second-half appearances so United can capitalize on the finishing power of which their manager is such a fan.

As Owen put it in a report from Mirror Football:

"

“You don’t get many chances and when you do, it’s like you have to perform or it could be another couple of months before you see a pitch again.

So it’s nice to prove to yourself and everyone that you can still contribute and play well.

I’m 31, but I’ve still got a few years left in me. There are different roles you have throughout your career and I’m doing that."

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