United Rant

Michael Owen will miss the rest of Manchester United’s season after learning that he requires an operation on his injured hamstring. The op, which will take place on Monday, means that Owen will play no further part in United’s Premier or Champions League campaigns. The striker has scored nine times in 31 games for United.

Owen, 30, injured his left hamstring chasing a through ball during the Carling Cup final last Sunday. The former-Liverpool forward equalised for United before departing in the 40th minute, with substitute Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal.

“It’s a bad blow – he’s out for the season,” said Sir Alex Ferguson at a Friday morning press conference.

“Unfortunately it’s more serious than we thought. He will be operated on on Monday morning.

“It’s a terrible blow for the lad and is disappointing news for us too. He has never missed a training session all season. I think the heavy pitch at Wembley on Sunday made some contribution to it but really it is just bad luck.”

Owen joined the club on a free transfer following four injury hit seasons with Newcastle United, although this is his first serious injury for the Reds. The player is on an appearance and bonus related two-year contract with the club and Sir Alex Ferguson recently denied that Untied is willing to sell the player.

The player will also miss out on FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, although he has not featured for Fabio Capello’s side in more than a year.

The striker scored a stunning 96th minute winner in the Manchester derby last September but has failed to command a regular starting place in the team despite a December hat-trick against Wolfsburg.