Michael Owen To Retire?

Michael Owen has revealed that he may retire from football if he doesn't get a new contract with Manchester United.

Owen's two year contract at the club comes to an end in the summer but he admits that he is yet to begin talks to stay at Old Trafford.

But his time at United have been blighted by injury, this week has seen him suffer further setbacks after new hamstring problems.

Speaking to The Sun the striker said: "I would honestly love to stay but you will have to ask the manager about the long term.

"I could score at this level for many years and would love it to be at a top club like United. Whether I would want to be dropping down to a poorer Premier League team, I don't know.

"Yes, I could score goals but I would probably get less opportunities and less enjoyment.

"I just don't feel my game is suited to a team that is really struggling. I won't drop down leagues."

And while Owen doesn't want to see his career come to a close he is already looking to the future and he admits that he does have a few plans up his sleeve.

"I'm on my second stage of coaching badges and management is a real possibility.

"Horse racing will always be a big part of my life but, if there's a job going forward, it will be in football."

But Owen is going to be back on the sidelines for a few weeks while he has treatment on his hamstring problem. He was expected to star for United in their Carling Cup clash in mid-week with Wolves until he picked up the injury in training.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw