Michael Owen’s decisions maybe not horrible. October 2, 2011

Despite media censure for Michael Owen’s attitude toward his playing time, the most recent column by the Guardian’s “Secret Footballer” makes me think Owen’s decision to stay at Manchester United, even as fifth-choice striker, might be the correct one.

Almost as an afterthought, the Guardian’s columnist writes:

While I feel a great deal of admiration for the attitude and determination of players such as Owen Hargreaves to ultimately prevail, the lasting effects on a body that takes such a battering from the demands of top-level football makes me anxious, from a health point of view, for their future quality of life.

Michael Owen, too, is injury-prone, and I even recall at one point hearing murmurs that the striker’s problems may have been caused by improper training in his youth or something of that sort. By resigning himself to playing fewer games, you could argue that Owen is making the sane choice. Why put himself at risk for future problems playing football he remembers with a shudder from his Newcastle days.

Also, could Owen be the Secret Footballer? I think probably not.