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Owen was inspired by pressure to claim regular spot

Updated on: 22 September,2011 09:18 AM IST |
AFP |

Striker says pressure to claim regular starting spot in Man Utd was reason behind his brilliance in 3-0 win

Striker says pressure to claim regular starting spot in Man Utd was reason behind his brilliance in 3-0 win

Michael Owen insists he still has plenty to offer Manchester United after helping to maintain his side's unbeaten run with two goals in a 3-0 win against Leeds in the League Cup third round.

On song: Man Utd's Michael Owen (second from left) celebrates a goal
during Tuesday's League Cup match against Leeds United in Leeds.
Pic/AFP

Owen has been restricted largely to a cameo role in his time at Old Trafford, but the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker underlined his value as a key squad member with a clinical double on his first start of the season to help seal a comprehensive victory at Elland Road on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old concedes he would like to be involved more, but admits that such is the competition, he's simply happy to make a contribution whenever the chance comes along. "The pressure is on," he said. "You don't get many chances and then when you do, it can be a couple of months before you see a pitch again if you don't perform.

"You have to prove to yourself and everyone else that you can still perform but we are coming to a stage in the season where the games are coming thick and fast and the games get shared around."

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