Owen was inspired by pressure to claim regular spot

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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