The controversial decision to join Manchester United had some difficult and emotional consequences for Michael Owen when he returned to boyhood club Liverpool. Owen joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of 12 and quickly emerged as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League after making his first-team debut in 1996.
![[Manchester United v Liverpool - FA Cup 3rd Round]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-108018633.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=594)
Blessed with incredible pace and efficient finishing, Owen finished his first full season with Liverpool as the joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League and was the club’s top goalscorer from 1997 to 2004. Owen, who soon established himself as an England regular, helped Liverpool win a cup treble in 2001 and won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award later that year ahead of Real Madrid forward Raul and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
![[Liverpool FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2189590551.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The England striker decided to leave Anfield as Liverpool began to lose ground on their Premier League title rivals in the early 2000s, joining Real Madrid in 2004 and finishing his Reds career with 158 goals in 297 appearances. But Owen would only spend one year at the Bernabeu before returning to the Premier League, Newcastle United securing his signature after a potential return to Liverpool was blocked by Real Madrid.
Owen struggled with injuries during his four-year spell at St James’ Park and completed a surprise move to Manchester United ahead of the 2009-10 campaign. Now in his 30s, Owen struggled for game-time at Old Trafford but did at least get his hands on the Premier League trophy, with United also lifting the League Cup in 2010, Owen scoring in the final against Aston Villa.
