Wayne Rooney gives honest take on ‘boring’ Michael Owen amid comparisons, ‘hard to argue against…’
Michael Owen came through Liverpool’s academy and made an instant impact in the team as a 17-year-old. He scored 158 goals and made 297 appearances for the Merseyside club during eight years, winning the Ballon d’Or as a 22-year-old in 2001.
After a transfer to Real Madrid in 2004, Owen would spend just one year in the Spanish capital before returning to England. He signed for Newcastle and struggled with injuries before eventually signing for Manchester United as a free transfer in 2009.
Wayne Rooney’s career began at Everton, where he exploded onto the scene by scoring a stunning free-kick against Arsenal on his debut as a 16-year-old. He secured a transfer to United at 18 before becoming the club’s record top goalscorer.
Now, in the middle of the September international break, many people are debating who was better between Rooney and Owen.
Wayne Rooney working for Amazon Prime Video
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney responds to Michael Owen’s claim on who was better
Who was better at the age of 17 – Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney?
The reason this has become a debate stems from both players being incomparable throughout their careers.
Owen had to wait until the latter stages of his career to win the Premier League at United, whereas Rooney did it five times. There is perhaps a bigger debate to be had about who was more influential at the age of 17.
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It became a debate on social media when Match of the Day presented the question on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Who was the better player at the age of 17, Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney?”
Owen got involved in the debate to argue his corner, stating that he was scoring more goals than Rooney at the same age.
A few days have passed since Owen got involved, but now Rooney has had his say – in a rather diplomatic manner.
“Me and Michael are different players with different attributes,” Rooney said on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
“Michael Owen at 17 was incredible. I used to go out on the streets and pretend to be him, even though he played for Liverpool.
“I completely understand what he’s saying, but we’re two completely different footballers. Michael Owen – for a 3 or 4 year period, was probably the best centre forward in the world. It’s hard to argue against anyone coming up against Owen.
“Unfortunately, he did get his injuries, and he couldn’t adapt his game maybe as a good as I could when playing from the side or in central midfield.
“I think his comments are fair. Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’m backing myself, but I never judged myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside.”
He added: “I played with him for England and then later on in his career at Manchester United. I was delighted for him because he came to Manchester United. That’s a massive move for him, having played for Liverpool. Obviously he got a Premier League medal and I was really happy for him.
“I respected him massively. For 2-3 years he was unstoppable. People do forget how good he was.”
Games Goals Assists
52 17 3
Michael Owen record at Manchester United
Rooney provides insight on Owen’s character
Since retiring from the game, Owen has done lots of punditry on the game, including co-commentary roles.
The former England international is often mocked for his boring analysis, but Rooney argues that Owen has a humorous side to his personality.
Rooney said: “Michael can come across a little bit boring. He is one of the funniest people you will meet. I’ve been in his company and he is so funny.
“Everyone who played with him knows what a good lad he is. Sometimes that doesn’t always come across.”