Man United smash Liverpool in Michael Owen’s best XI
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He may be more fondly remembered at Anfield than Old Trafford but former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has dealt a crushing blow to the Reds ahead of this weekend clash.
United host Liverpool on Saturday and Owen was asked by the Premier League to pick his best starting XI from the current squads, with only Martin Skrtel, Philippe Coutinho and Christian Benteke getting the nod for the Merseyside club.
Among the surprise inclusions were United’s new Italian right back Matteo Darmian, but Owen is convinced the former Torino star will be a start in the Premier League, saying: “I have been really impressed with him. It was quite a close call between him and Nathaniel Clyne, but I am going to go for Darmian.
“He was played particularly well for Manchester United, marauding down that right-hand side.”
The former England man was full of praise too for Michael Carrick, picking his former team-mate ahead of the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park.
“He remains Manchester United’s best central midfield player,” Owen claimed.
“I was fortunate enough to play with him many times. Two-footed, he’s got a great football brain and is a real undervalued player. When you play alongside him you appreciate what he gives to the team.”
United are the even-money favourites to pick up all three points in Saturday’s late kick-off, with Liverpool priced as 14/5 outsiders.
And with Owen full of praise for the attack-minded players in both sides, the 10/11 on both teams scoring could also prove a shrewd selection.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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