Jamie Carragher has told Michael Owen to expect a frosty reception when he returns to Anfield next month.
And the Liverpool defender admits he was taken aback by his former team-mate’s move to Manchester United in the summer.
Owen made the shock switch to Old Trafford after declining the opportunity to renew his contract with relegated Newcastle United.
There is no love lost between the two bitter North West rivals, with Owen the first player in recent memory to have played for United having earlier appeared regularly in Liverpool’s first team.
And Carragher said: “It was a bit of a surprise. Not because I had any doubts about Michael’s ability but it was just so out of the blue and it happened so quickly.
“One minute you are wondering where he will end up and the next he is at Old Trafford.”
United visit Anfield for the first time since Owen’s arrival when the two teams clash on October 25.
And Carragher believes the home support will make clear their displeasure at the striker’s perceived betrayal – despite expecting his former colleague to shrug off any abuse.
“Our fans are usually brilliant with former players but he might get a cool reception,” said Carragher. “That won’t bother him though.
“I can understand the fans point of view, he used to play for us and now he is 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 play Champions League football and get back into the World Cup squad.
“The move gives him that opportunity. It will upset some fans but that’s football. He is a mate of mine so I suppose I have to wish him well but only to a certain extent.”
And the Liverpool defender admits he was taken aback by his former team-mate’s move to Manchester United in the summer.
Owen made the shock switch to Old Trafford after declining the opportunity to renew his contract with relegated Newcastle United.
There is no love lost between the two bitter North West rivals, with Owen the first player in recent memory to have played for United having earlier appeared regularly in Liverpool’s first team.
And Carragher said: “It was a bit of a surprise. Not because I had any doubts about Michael’s ability but it was just so out of the blue and it happened so quickly.
“One minute you are wondering where he will end up and the next he is at Old Trafford.”
United visit Anfield for the first time since Owen’s arrival when the two teams clash on October 25.
And Carragher believes the home support will make clear their displeasure at the striker’s perceived betrayal – despite expecting his former colleague to shrug off any abuse.
“Our fans are usually brilliant with former players but he might get a cool reception,” said Carragher. “That won’t bother him though.
“I can understand the fans point of view, he used to play for us and now he is 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 play Champions League football and get back into the World Cup squad.
“The move gives him that opportunity. It will upset some fans but that’s football. He is a mate of mine so I suppose I have to wish him well but only to a certain extent.”
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