Owen back to his best for United

Gerard Houllier reckons Michael Owen is in prime form to take on Manchester United.

Owen’s goal in the 1-0 midweek UEFA Cup win in Arnhem gave him a club record of 15 European goals scored away from home, and he is now only two short of Ian Rush’s all-time club record of 20 European goals.

The goal in Arnhem was Owen’s 13th of the season, and Houllier believes he is in the form to hurt Manchester United.

Houllier said: “Michael Owen at the beginning of the season picked up a slight injury, and he was coming in on the back of a World Cup which can always be difficult.

“But he’s firing on all cylinders now. Sometimes you get the best out of your players after such a situation after Christmas, so he’s getting to that level.

“He has improved, worked a lot and improved his fitness.

“His pace is back to what it used to be and he scores and creates chances. He gets into the right positions and against Arnhem with a bit more luck he could have beaten Ian Rush’s club record of 20 goals in Europe.”