Michael Owen was once viewed as a true Liverpool icon, but that changed when he made the highly controversial decision to join bitter rivals Manchester United in the summer of 2009 — five years after leaving his boyhood club.
The former Ballon d’Or winner, now 45 and a regular pundit on TNT Sports and Match of the Day, made matters worse in the eyes of Liverpool supporters by winning the Premier League with United in the 2010/11 season — the only league title of his career. After the triumph under Sir Alex Ferguson, Owen famously quipped, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
While Owen’s relationship with the Liverpool fanbase deteriorated, Steven Gerrard’s legacy remains untouched. Considered one of the greatest British footballers to play in the Premier League, Gerrard stayed loyal to Liverpool throughout his career and became the club’s third-highest appearance maker. His unforgettable performances — especially the miracle comeback in Istanbul — cemented his status as a club legend. Owen, on the other hand, cut ties with the supporters when he crossed to United.
Gerrard’s Sharp Response to Owen’s Question About Returning to Anfield
During Gerrard’s spell in charge of Aston Villa (November 2021 – October 2022), he faced Liverpool twice, losing both matches. After the first defeat, Owen — working as a pundit — asked Gerrard how it felt to return to Anfield as an opposing manager.
Recalling his own uncomfortable returns as a visiting player, Owen said:
“Hey Stevie, it’s Mo. We’ve all gone back to Anfield in different roles. I hated playing against them — how did you feel bringing a team back here?”
With a smirk, Gerrard — who played alongside Owen 229 times — delivered a line that sent Robbie Fowler and the pundits into laughter:
> “If I’d played for Man United, I’d have hated coming back as well.”
Owen joined United in 2009 after spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle. According to The Athletic, when he left Newcastle his choices were limited: a struggling Hull City, Everton (another move that would anger Liverpool fans), or retirement. Manchester United offered him a route to chase a Premier League title.
Michael Owen – Career Stats (Club & Country)
Club/Country Games Goals Assists Yellow/Red
Liverpool 297 158 49 6 / 1
England 89 40 12 4 / 0
Newcastle 79 30 2 2 / 0
Man United 52 17 3 2 / 0
Real Madrid 45 16 4 1 / 0
Stoke City 9 1 0 0 / 0
Owen Admits He Doesn’t Feel Welcome at Anfield
Despite sitting seventh on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list with 158 goals in 297 games, his switch to Old Trafford left many supporters feeling betrayed. Owen admitted to The Athletic that returning to Anfield still stirs strong emotions:
> “My heart bursts with pride every time I go back… but I don’t feel loved or welcomed — and it hurts. I’d rather avoid it.”
Owen made his Liverpool debut in 1997 and quickly became one of the most feared young forwards in Europe, winning the UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup along the way. Yet, for many Liverpool fans, his brilliance is overshadowed by the shirt he chose to wear in 2009.
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