‘Fantastic’ Owen is just champion

SIR Alex Ferguson hailed hat–trick hero Michael Owen after Manchester United’s 3–1 win over Wolfsburg in Germany last night.

Needing a point to secure top spot in Champions League group ‘B’, United flattened their hosts even though they had 14 senior players missing.

The result means Ferguson’s men will avoid many of Europe’s biggest names, including Real Madrid, in the first knockout round as well as playing the second leg at home.

And for that they have Owen to thank.

The former Liverpool frontman has not made quite the impression many people expected when he arrived from Newcastle United in the summer.

But the 29–year–old has now taken his tally to seven and Ferguson said: “It was a fantastic performance. Michael’s finishing and positional play were superb.”

Ferguson could have added Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher to his eulogy.

Pressed into emergency service as defenders in a three–man rearguard that also included Patrice Evra, the pair stood firm in the face of severe Wolfsburg pressure.

Ferguson admitted it was crucial for United to strike first, which is exactly what they did just before the break when Owen headed home Nani’s left wing cross.

Edin Dzeko’s powerful header brought Wolfsburg level before the hour mark but somehow United clung on.

And when Gabriel Obertan weaved his way past two Wolfsburg defenders and provided Owen with a tap–in with a pinpoint low cross, the Red Devils had achieved their mission.

Owen’s third was a solo effort and gave United only their third win in 10 outings on German soil, which in itself was confirmation of a fine achievement not taking into account so many injuries.