Ruud van Nistelrooy vs Michael Owen: who will win the battle of the returning strikers this season?

By Rob Burnett in Mirror Football Blog

Published 14:42 26/11/09

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Who would have thunk it? With Ruud van Nistelrooy on the brink of moving to Anfield , and Michael Owen now plying his trade at Old Trafford, a scenario that just five years ago would have been unthinkable could be a reality this January.

But are Manchester United or Liverpool getting more bang for their buck from these two old gunslingers? MirrorFootball takes a look...

What's left in the tank?
Both players names' seem to go hand in hand with the phrase "injury prone". Manchester United's original move for Van Nistelrooy was delayed by a year because of a knee injury, and the same problem kept him out for most of last season. He is getting back to full fitness now, but at 33-years-old he's never likely to be completely injury free again.

Owen has struggled with injuries for his entire career and, like Van Nistelrooy, had to be treated by Dr Richard "football's miracle worker" Steadman to avoid having his career ended completely in 2006. Has been fit since joining United and, at 29, he has the edge on Van Nistelrooy in age.

Verdict: Owen, just.

Who's the best box office?
Not that either of these teams really need anyone to put bums on seats, but the Dutchman is likely to have more pulling power at Liverpool than Michael Owen does at United. With goals a precious commodity at Anfield this season, Ruud could quickly find himself a hero for his prowess in front of the net - especially if he scores against United.

Owen has done his best - the injury time goal against Manchester City will help - but he still has to go some to win hearts and minds at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Van Nistelrooy

Who has the ex-factor?
Michael Owen is a traitor in the eyes of Kopites for his move to Old Trafford but will United fans care if Van Nistelrooy joins their arch rivals?

According to our scientific office poll of two, no, they won't. The untrammelled success enjoyed by United since the Dutchman left means they've barely had a chance even to miss him.

Verdict: Owen

Who can become a World Cup hero?
Van Nistelrooy is anxious to leave Real Madrid to get more first team action and ensure his World Cup place. Sound familiar?

Owen left the Bernabeu for exactly that reason in 2005 and look how that worked out for him. After limping out of the 2006 tournament after just a few minutes, and with Fabio Capello apparently preferring anyone but Owen up front for England, his chances of making South Africa are slim to none.

With half a season banging them in for Liverpool Van Nistelrooy could easily play his way into Holland's World Cup squad. Conversely, Owen's less than stellar performances for Man United's second string line-ups should ensure he's far below the likes of Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent come next summer.

Verdict: Van Nistelrooy

Who will get the most goals?
Owen currently has a four-goal head-start on Van Nistelrooy (and who knows - that could rise to as many as five by January), but with the extra playing time the Dutchman would surely get at Anfield, you'd have to think long and hard about betting against him. And besides, think of all those Europa League fixtures he'll be playing in...

Verdict: Van Nistelrooy

And the winner is...?
We all know Michael Owen loves the gee-gees, while Ruud just facially resembles one, but if we were of a betting bent then we'd have to go with Van the Man to win. By a nose.

Should the Van Nistelrooy transfer come off, then who do you think will be a bigger hit in the Premier League? Let us know by leaving a comment below...