Manchester United News: Lack of Playing Time Will Force Michael Owen Away

Just a few days ago Michael Owen was back on the pitch for Manchester United dominating opponents the way he once did for the English national team.

The 31-year-old striker signed an extension to stay at Old Trafford this summer, but he's fifth choice behind Wayne Rooney, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov.

It is no way, shape or form a mark on his playing ability, but all the aforementioned stars are at the top of their games while Owen is closing out his career.

However, when given the opportunity to play Owen has shined for the Red Devils.

In his last 12 starts he has scored 11 goals.

Simply put, the Englishman has uber-productive when given the chance.

And unfortunately for United, the lure of trophies only lasts for so long.

Owen recently said (via Mirror Football):

"

If the season was going to be like the first season I was here, I would be delighted. That was fantastic, I felt involved. I was always on the bench or playing or coming on and I want to be involved like that again.

I’ve got a few years left and I would love them to be at Manchester United. For that to happen, I would need to be involved because the manager would not want me if I was not part of the squad.

"

But he also said:

"

I’m not content if I’m not playing and I don’t want anybody to think that. I get criticised a lot by people who say I don’t play, but I pick my money up. I’m not proud of that fact. I want to play all the time.

"

Sir Alex Ferguson loves having Owen at his disposal, but the striker is going to want to see more action.

Dimitar Berbatov, the club's leading scorer from a year ago, doesn't even factor into the starting XI nor a regular role.

Ferguson knows he'll need at least one of the veteran scorers for the latter portion of the campaign, but having both of them is a luxury he may not get.

Owen ins't wrong for wanting to play. He's proven he score goals at an impressive clip and he could help a number of other squads more than he is helping United right now.

The defending English champions are lucky to have him, but if they don't realize that soon and reward him, he'll be forcing his way out.