Former England striker Michael Owen has not held back in his assessment of his two former clubs, delivering a stark verdict that will sting the ears of Manchester United fans while delighting those on Merseyside.
In a candid discussion about the state of the Premier League giants, the ex-footballer pulled no punches, branding the last decade at Old Trafford a complete "failure". His comments come amidst another turbulent season for the Red Devils, who are struggling to find consistency under current manager Erik ten Hag.
"If you look at the last ten years, you would have to say it's been a failure for Manchester United," Owen stated bluntly. The pundit highlighted the club's inability to mount a serious title challenge since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, a period marked by managerial merry-go-rounds and vast financial investment with little return.
In a striking contrast, Owen was full of praise for the project unfolding at Anfield. He heaped admiration on the work of outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp, who has restored Liverpool to the pinnacle of European and English football. "What a story, what a manager, what a team," Owen enthused, reflecting on the German's transformative tenure.
The former Ballon d'Or winner's analysis underscores the dramatic divergence in fortunes between the two North West rivals. While Liverpool have celebrated Premier League and Champions League glory in recent years, United have been left trailing in their wake, often failing to even secure a coveted top-four finish.
Owen, who controversially moved from Liverpool to Manchester United in 2009, possesses a unique perspective having experienced the inner workings of both institutions. His verdict serves as a powerful indictment of United's post-Ferguson era and a glowing endorsement of the regime at Liverpool, leaving fans in no doubt about which club he believes has mastered the art of modern football success.
