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The former England international admits his preference was to return to Anfield in 2009, but he ended up moving toward the Reds’ arch rivals.
Michael Owen is unapologetic for linking with Manchester United in 2009, and the former Liverpool forward admitted he couldn’t believe his luck when the Red Devils approached.
The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner had received a forgettable spell at Newcastle after returning to English football from Real Madrid.
Liverpool’s potential interest had been felt in making that move in 2005, but Anfield’s missed the opportunity to strike a deal.
The same stance was adopted four years later, with Rafa Benítez in favor of other transfer options, as a door was left open for United’s arch rivals to claim a proven scorer.
“I was leaving Newcastle and the first thing I did was call Carra [Jamie Carragher] and said “talk to Rafa Benítez” said Owen BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Carra contacted me and said” no, he’s about to sign someone. “I think it was David Ngog, but he had some great players on the team already and basically they didn’t need another center-forward. What do you want me to do at that time?
“My agent then spoke to virtually every club on the planet to see who was interested and the options were Hull City, Everton and Manchester United. You can imagine my thought process: go to Everton, be hated, go to Man Utd and be hated too.
“As soon as I heard that Man Utd was for me, I obviously thought the first option would be Liverpool and go back there, but if Liverpool don’t want me and these are all my options, then wow, Manchester United in the Champions League, I don’t have to move, I know a lot of guys. It was a brilliant move.
“I couldn’t believe my luck when Manchester United came for me.” Here I am, backing away as a player in my own mind and even the champions of England wanted to sign me. I was absolutely excited when they wanted me. “
Owen claimed a Premier League title with United, while also reaching the bench in a Champions League final.
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He admits that his intention was always to savor such occasions with Liverpool, but that opportunity was denied.
A man with 40 goals in England to his name from 89 appearances for his country added: “When I was little, winning the Premier League for Liverpool would have been my massive dream, or winning the Champions League.
“As things stand, I had to settle for winning quite a few trophies with Liverpool, but none of them was the Premier League, which was unfortunate.”
