Carragher issues warning for Owen

Jamie Carragher expects former Liverpool striker Michael Owen to receive a frosty reception when he returns to Anfield with Manchester United next month.

Owen’s decision to join United in the summer on a free transfer has not gone down well with all Liverpool fans and Carragher knows the forward will be the focus of attention when the Red Devils make the trip to Merseyside on October 25.

“Our fans are usually brilliant with former players but he might get a cool reception,” Carragher told the October edition of Sky Sports Magazine. “That won’t bother him though.

“You can understand the fans’ point of view. He used to play for us and now he’s at our big rivals so of course there will be some reaction.

“That’s football and Michael will know that.

“At the same time, Michael has got his own career to think about. He wants to get his name back up there, he wants to play Champions League football and get into the World Cup squad.

“The move gives him that opportunity. It will upset some fans but that’s football.

“He’s a mate of mine so I suppose I have to wish him well but only to a certain extent.”

Carragher admits he was shocked by Owen’s move to Old Trafford after the end of his contract at Newcastle.

“I was a bit [surprised]. Not because I ever doubt Michael’s ability but it was just so out of the blue. It happened so quickly,” he added.

“One minute you’re wondering where he’ll end up and the next he’s at Old Trafford.”

Owen has helped endear himself to the United faithful with a dramatic late winner against local rivals Manchester City and Carragher knows he will face a tough task keeping his former team-mate quiet if they come up against each other next month.

“When I’ve played against him he’s been kept fairly quiet but – and no disrespect to Newcastle – he wasn’t getting the service and it’ll be a harder experience when he’s in United’s line-up,” added Carragher.