Michael Owen drops retirement hint

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has hinted that he may decide to retire from the game if he is not offered a new contract at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old former England ace's current deal runs out at the end of the season and he seems unlikely to extend his time with United into a third season.

Owen told The Sun:"I would honestly love to stay, but you will have to ask the manager about the long term. I could score at this level for many years and would love it to be at a top club like United.

"Whether I would want to be dropping down to a poorer Premier League team, I don't know. Yes I could score goals but I would probably get less opportunities and less enjoyment.

"I just don't feel my game is suited to a team that is really struggling. I won't drop down the leagues.

"I have played in big teams before and played every game and I have played in a struggling team. I know which I prefer. When you play here, you play with quality.

"I'm on my second stage of coaching badges and management is a real possibility."

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United frontman Owen has scored 12 goals in 38 appearances for the Red Devils, with 24 of those outings coming as a substitute.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email