Michael Owen caused great controversy when he decided to sign for Manchester United.Owen came through the youth system at Liverpool, and became a hero at the club during his spell at the club.After breaking through into the first team at the age of 17, Owen went on to enjoy a eight thoroughly successful seasons at Liverpool, where he scored an impressive 158 goals in 297 games.Although collectively he did not enjoy great success, Owen was recognised for his individual brilliance, which saw him win the Ballon D'or in 2001.However, much to the disappointment of Liverpool fans, the forward's association with the club ended in 2005 when he chose to leave for Real Madrid, but he really angered those that used to adore him when he signed for Man United in 2009.

OWEN CLAIMED HE WANTED A LIVERPOOL RETURN

Owen's move to Manchester was considered a criminal act by Liverpool fans, and he has been the brunt of abuse ever since he decided to make the move eight years ago.

However, Owen revealed last year that he always wanted to return to the club, but for a variety of reasons, a move never materialised.

Speaking in 2016, the 37-year-old said: "At every stage - every summer - I was on the phone to Carra (Jamie Carragher) telling him to find a way to get me back.

"Does Rafa want me?' I'd say. 'Does Kenny want me? Does Brendan want me?' It was circumstance that stopped it happening.

"Whenever I was available, Liverpool had too many strikers. And when Liverpool wanted me, I was injured.

"By the end, I wasn't the player I had been before and they simply didn't fancy me. I wasn't good enough."

OWEN REVEALS HE WASN'T MAN UNITED'S FIRST CHOICE

And Owen has revealed that he wouldn't have signed for Man United, had Sir Alex Ferguson secured his priority signing.

The former Newcastle man reveals that Ferguson was actually targeting Karim Benzema, and the Scotsman even told Owen that he would only be signed if Benzema chose not to.

Owen said: "I've got a lot to thank him for (Benzema), he may not know.

"I wouldnt have gone to (Man) United if it wasn't for Benzema.

"I think Man United wanted to buy Benzema, and he chose Real Madrid.

"I was told by Sir Alex Ferguson that 'we want Benzema but if Benzema doesn't come then you're coming'.

"So I was pleading with Benzema to go to Real Madrid, so thank you to him."