Tony Cascarino is well known for his forthright punditry nowadays, which is all well and good; but on the subject of Michael Owen, he may be going a bit over the top.

I reckon Owen's risen to the occasion enough times in his career to be described as a "big game player". So often has he done this that I won't bore you with citing all the examples when Owen has defied his critics with goals!

Nevertheless, Cas reckons Owen will be a "passenger" when the going gets tough.

Cas told footballpools.com: "My only doubt is his impact on United’s team play.

“Owen is not really a team player; he is more of a predator.”

“He is an individual and certainly doesn’t fit into United’s ‘team’ ethic.

“I can see Michael getting goals in the easier games, scoring against the likes of Burnley but I have serious doubts about the impact he will make on the edgier games against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

“In the tight affairs he will be more of a passenger, having little input into the team play which may well cost them.”

I've got to say I think these comments are grossly unfair. Owen has done it against big teams before, so why should he stop now?

Providing Owen stays injury-free, I predict he'll score at least 20 goals...and guess what, I reckon about 5 will be against top class opposition!

by Joe Broadfoot