Michael Owen: I've never felt so much pressure

MICHAEL OWEN says he feels more nerves and pressure now than at any time in his career.

You would not think it after the Manchester United striker marked his first appearance of the season on Tuesday with two goals in 32 minutes at Leeds.

But nowadays Owen knows if he does not perform when he gets the chance, he could have weeks to dwell on it.

And that is proving tougher than when Liverpool and, indeed the whole country, looked to him in every game.

Owen, 31, said: "If I was playing every week, you could afford a bad game here or there because you can always score one in the next game.

"That is my first match of the season and, if I didn't play well, I would have a long time to stew on it and people would have a long time to criticise me. It puts the pressure on me.

"I have had some massive games in my career but you almost feel yourself getting nervous more these days because, as I say, it has been a while since I started.

"That negative thought in the back of your mind is definitely there going into games because you know you cannot put things right in three or four days' time like most other players who play all the time.

"I still feel I have to prove myself every time I play."

Owen is in his third season at Old Trafford after boss Alex Ferguson asked him to stay on for another year this summer.

His record reads 16 goals from 49 appearances — with 11 of those coming in his 16 starts for the club.

Proof that when Owen is called upon, he delivers.

Owen added: "I obviously know my position in the squad — we have got some top strikers in Wayne Rooney, Chicharito, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov. It is not a negative on me in any way.

"I get criticised a lot by people who say I don't play but I pick my money up.

"I am not proud of that fact. I want to play all the time.

"I am not happy if I am barely playing but it is not for me to go banging the gaffer's door down. It is a privilege to play for such a top team with top players and I have loved every moment of it."

Owen has picked up winners medals in the Premier League, Carling Cup and Community Shield at United.

He was at it again in the Carling Cup on Tuesday as United ran out 3-0 winners at Elland Road, thanks to Owen's double.

The first was a shot into the bottom corner under pressure, the second a cracker as Owen killed a cross with his first touch and launched a shot into the far top corner with his second.

Now he knows it is back to the bench, at least, for the Premier League game at Stoke on Saturday as he waits for another chance.

But do not think we have seen the last of Michael Owen.

He said: "I have got a few years left and I would love them to be at Manchester United.

"For that to happen, I would need to be involved because the manager would not want me if I was not part of the squad or part of things."

And what about England? Is there any chance of another cap for the man with 40 goals in 89 games for his country?

Owen replied with a wry smile: "I have got to play and score goals first — not just the one game, either."