Michael Owen has fired back at Manchester United supporters who took issue with his suggestion that Liverpool should have targeted Marcus Rashford’s ankle in Sunday’s game.
The incident happened on live TV during the Premier League clash at Old Trafford and resulted in a huge backlash against the former United and Liverpool striker.
The ex-England international suggested during the crunch clash at Old Trafford that the visitors should look to take advantage of an injury to a rival.
Michael Owen has hit back at the “angels” condemning his claim during Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool that the Reds should “go and kick Marcus Rashford on the ankle” as he nursed a knock.
The Red Devils forward took a blow to his leg inside the opening exchanges of a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
Jordan Henderson crunched into an England international team-mate and left him hobbling around with only a few minutes on the clock.
It appeared that United would be forced to replace Rashford, but he ended up having to stay on the field as others tumbled around him.
Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all came and went for United inside the first half, while Roberto Firmino presented Liverpool with an untimely injury headache.
With Rashford forced to stay on despite being a long way short of full fitness, Owen suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s side should look to take advantage of that.
As part of his punditry, the former United and Liverpool striker said as the sides emerged for the second half: “I tell you what, if I was Jurgen Klopp in that dressing room at half-time with Manchester United not being able to bring on another substitute, I’d be saying ‘Right, first person, first opportunity, go and kick Rashford on the ankle that he has been limping on’”.
Owen saw his comments widely condemned on social media.
As someone who endured his fair share of injuries during his own career, it was pointed out to the ex-England striker that he should not be wishing ill on others.
He clarified his stance with a follow-up tweet, admitting that he didn’t want to see Rashford get seriously injured, but was just giving a realistic insight into the player’s dressing room.