Football: Owen lifts United to win over Barca

WASHINGTON: Michael Owen scored in the 76th minute to lift Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a friendly that reprised their clash in the Champions League final. Nani opened the scoring in the 22nd minute for United before Thiago Alcantara equalised in the 70th minute. Tom Cleverley then set up the winner, intercepting Sergio Busquets’ pass and racing toward the goal before finding Owen, who lofted the ball into the goal. “It was important that the players understand what it takes to play against an exceptional team,” said United assistant coach Mick Phelan

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2011.