BT pundit Michael Owen has responded to Jose Mourinho’s criticism of his comments about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying that his goals were of more value to Manchester United than the Swede’s.
Mourinho was unhappy with remarks the former England, Liverpool and United striker made about Ibrahimovic last week and made reference to Owen’s time at Old Trafford in an interview with BT Sport.
The Portuguese coach said: “The reality is, Zlatan will score more goals for Man Utd in one season than Michael Owen scored for them in three seasons.”
Owen was offered the chance to respond to Mourinho’s remarks on Tuesday evening and the pundit clarified what he had said about Ibrahimovic, highlighting that as good as the 35-year-old is he will need replacing in the near future.
Owen then suggested that his own goal tally was worth a better deal financially to the Red Devils as he was on only a fraction of the wages Ibrahimovic now earns at the club.
The 36-year-old said on BT Sport: “I think I said that Zlatan wasn’t the long term type of player – a little bit like Robin van Persie. Bought for a purpose, one or two seasons, but at some point Man United have got to find the next Wayne Rooney.
“I think my goals were of more value to Man United because I cost about 10% of what Zlatan’s on week!”
Ibrahimovic has netted eight goals in the Premier League this season and 13 in all competitions for the Red Devils, whereas Owen scored 17 during his three years at United
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