Danny Welbeck’s injury in Monday’s Manchester derby has ruled him out of the remainder of United’s season. Whilst not set to rule Welbeck out of Euro 2012 the news is a blow to almost all at Old Trafford with one major exception. Michael Owen looks set to make a return to the United team and given the chance for the “one big goal in the title race” he has been promising United fans all season.
With Hernandez likely to be handed the starting role against Swansea and Sunderland should Welbeck be unavailable it would be expected that Owen will have to settle for a spot on the bench. But this could be the perfect chance for the veteran to give himself another iconic memory from a United career that has seen Owen score some memorable goals including his last minute winner in the 2009 Manchester Derby.
The league title is still very much on after City’s victory over United and the prospect of Michael Owen returning to the United squad has the potential to be key in the destination of the league trophy. Should Newcastle get a result against City who would bet against a last minute winner from Owen returning United to the top of the table or a goal at Sunderland to see United lift the trophy.
Despite these images the momentum is still with City, a fact that has not escaped the City camp. David Silva saying City are “ready to win the title” and has described Sunday’s clash with Newcastle as “like a final for us”.
With all the talk having been that the Derby would settle the title it would have been expected that things would have calmed down a little by now. But with Newcastle’s performances in recent weeks there is real hope from the red half of Manchester that the title will not be over until May 13th and its destination could be either of Manchester’s clubs.