Can't wait to play with RooMICHAEL OWEN turned his back on mounting problems at Newcastle with a day at the races — and walked straight into Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United side. Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd has demanded a show of loyalty from England striker Owen.
He has just returned from a year out through injury and went to Chester racecourse to get away from rumours he is seeking a £9million summer move. Owen — who yesterday won a call-up to the England B squad — relaxed by chatting on the phone to United star Wayne Rooney. They smiled and waved to each other despite being just yards apart. Watching were United boss Ferguson, who wants to sign Owen, and Sam Allardyce, who will soon be fighting to keep him at Toon.
Allardyce takes over as Newcastle boss next week and his first task will be to sit down with Owen and thrash out the future. Big Sam does not want Owen to leave but knows his hands will be tied if the player uses the £9m get-out clause in his contract. Furious Shepherd says Owen owes the Toon Army at least one more season having played only 13 games since his £16m arrival from Real Madrid nearly two years ago.

United were linked with a bid for Owen last month and Fergie has shown an interest in the past. But it is thought their priority this time is Samuel EtoÂ’o of Barcelona or SpursÂ’ Dimitar Berbatov. It is unlikely Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez or Arsene Wenger would step in to rescue him, leaving Owen an unpopular figure at St JamesÂ’ Park.
Shepherd’s statement yesterday said: “The loyalty this club has shown him over the last two years when he had injury problems in his first season and has missed virtually all of this season, deserves something in return. “I’m telling Michael he has two choices: He either comes out and tells our fans, who have taken him to their hearts, that he is happy here. “Or I tell him that not one of the big four — Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool — are interested in him. Because that’s the case.”
Shepherd will unveil Allardyce as his new boss next week. The pair are due to meet over the weekend to sort out a deal. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s winning streak continued as the team cleaned up at the races. Defender Rio Ferdinand, 28, began the day with a winning £1,000 punt on 6-4 ON shot Maraahel.
Boss Ferguson, Gabriel Heinze and Wes Brown also backed the horse. Owen is in EnglandÂ’s 20-strong squad for the B international against Albania at Burnley on May 25.