"I want curly hair too"
News that Owen Hargreaves has finally been released by Manchester United will be met with a quiet acceptance by most Reds.
Despite his obvious talents less than 40 appearances in four years more or less tells you where it went wrong for a player who on his day was quite simply brilliant.
The trouble is Hargreaves’ day hasn’t been since the beginning of the 2008/09 season and since then bar a couple of cameos the Canadian has never really figured.
It’s a crying shame as Hargreaves was superb in his first- and only real- season at United. A energetic, fearless midfielder who could use either foot the former Bayern Munich man was one of the best defensive midfielder’s the Premier League has witnessed, it wouldn’t be over the top to compare him to Claude Makelele – although the Frenchman is without doubt the greatest modern player in that position.
Regardless of his lack of games I’d still like to say thank you to Hargreaves for the part he played in the double winning season of 2007/08. His performances were excellent and who can forget his important free kicks against Fulham and Arsenal.
Hargreaves penalty against Chelsea was perfect -was there any doubt having learned his craft in Germany- and he seemed destined to be United’s midfield lynchpin for the next few years.
It wasn’t to be however, and while it’s easy to forget just how impressive Hargreaves was, his contribution to such an epic campaign should not be overlooked.
When United celebrate our 19 titles or our 3 European Cups-although it will obviously soon be 4- then Owen Hargreaves should be acknowledged for his contribution.
Like a flame that burns brightly but briefly, Hargreaves time at United may have been short- especially in terms of games- but it was massively important.
I genuinely hope Hargreaves can find success elsewhere- as long as its not at United’s expense- as he deserves it.
Owen Hargreaves we salute you sir.
I agree, shame to see him go but it’s not practical to keep him on any longer. Put in some great performances for us and he’s a very likable player. Good luck for the future Hargreaves, hopefully you can make a return to football.
I hope to see Owen come to North America and play in the MLS. The league here is growing, and as a Canadian I’d love to see him playing here for Toronto or Vancouver. It’s obvious his fitness levels aren’t going to be up to part for the Premier League or most European top leagues but he could still make a huge impact in the MLS.
Am I the only to feel sad about him leaving?
good riddance. finally. it’d be stupid to renew his contract
Shame to see such a talented player go, I definitely think that if he was injury free he should have been among the likes of scholesy, giggs for us. I’ll never forget the massive contribution that he’s done for us during the season 2007/2008. I wish that he come back successfully even for another team, cause this lad deserve it.
I hope it offers some consolation to him that he was an intergral part of one of the greatest United seasons of all time – or any club for that matter. As complete a midfielder as you could hope for and could play full back at a world class level as well.
I live in Vancouver and would echo what Chris says – but only to an extent. I don’t think we’ll ever see the 07-08 Hargreaves again, but I believe he can be a solid contributer for a team such as Everton for a season or two and end his European career on a higher note before coming to MLS.
It’s sad that he could never regain his fitness. He was awesome in his first season, and we could have done with him on many occasions since.
Good luck to him – I really hope he can finally overcome his injuries and have a good few years elsewhere.