Only a handful of players have represented both Manchester United and Liverpool, with even fewer of those playing during the Premier League era
Michael Owen played Premier League football for Liverpool and Manchester United
There aren’t many players who have turned out for both Manchester United and Liverpool. However, one man who did spend time with the fierce rivals – who meet this weekend – is Michael Owen.
England international striker Owen began his career at Liverpool and would later win the Premier League with United. However, the Merseyside club still mean more to him.
The 46-year-old’s decision to move to Old Trafford didn’t exactly endear him to supporters of his boyhood club. Nevertheless, he still has plenty of admirers at Anfield after more than a century of Premier League goals for the team.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
That’s not to say there weren’t some eye-catching moments for Owen in a United shirt. He scored in the 2010 League Cup final when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Aston Villa at Wembley and also grabbed a memorable hat-trick against Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
“Well, I’m absolutely fine at both. I’m respected at Man United; the derby winner, Champions League hat-trick, goal in a cup final,” Owen told the Daily Mail in 2021. “It’s not like I’m one of their own, we know that, but there’s mutual respect and good memories.
Owen scored a famous hat-trick for United in the Champions League(Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)
“But when I go through the doors at Liverpool, it’s in my heart. I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits.
“It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout, ‘You Manc’, but I can put it in a box. It doesn’t stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra (Jamie Carragher) or Stevie (Steven Gerrard).
“They won the Champions League the season I left. I wanted my mates to win, absolutely, but part of me was gutted, “God, that could have been me”. I have to accept that. It was my decision to leave.”
Owen played several games against United during his Liverpool spell. He scored in a 1-1 draw when he was still a teenager and also bagged a brace in a 3-1 Anfield win in 2001.
That 2001/02 season ended with Liverpool pipping United to second place in the league, though both were behind Arsenal. It’s a similar story this year, with neither side in title contention, though Michael Carrick’s men are on track to finish above their rivals.
Just three points separate the two sides going into Sunday’s clash. That means a win for Arne Slot’s reigning champions will be enough for them to leapfrog their rivals and move into third.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.