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

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...

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!

williamhill.com

Your comments

Related content

Comment: Why England need to get rid of their cosy club mentality
    Will Juan Sebastian Veron's football career have a fairytale ending?
      Watch David Beckham's amazing table football trickshot
        Watch video of Sami Khedira and Lena Gercke's steamy GQ photo shoot
          Simon Bird's Premier League previews and predictions (Week 25)
            The Best XI Liverpool vs Manchester United games
              Why do Rooney and co want Redknapp to succeed Capello? He'll make playing for England fun again

                Latest opinions

                Column

                Why it will be no holiday at this Villa for Mancini's men

                Terry Butcher 08:00 12/02/12

                  You have to go back to Guy Fawkes night for a home ­victory, so the odds on a win for Alex McLeish’s... Read More+

                  Blog

                  Comment: Why Liverpool need to accept Suarez is more sinner than saint

                  Mirror Football Blog 21:30 11/02/12

                  Yesterday's Manchester United-Liverpool clash was a perfect opportunity to draw a line under the Sua... Read More+

                  Blog

                  Andy Dunn's Big Match Verdict: Why Rio's grand performance would make him Harry's ideal captain

                  Mirror Football Blog 21:30 11/02/12

                  The idiotic refusal by Luis Suarez to shake Patrice Evra’s hand, the tunnel bust-up and Fergie’s ­af... Read More+

                  Blog

                  Comment: Why England need to get rid of their cosy club mentality

                  Mirror Football Blog 21:30 11/02/12

                    I have been in the States this week where the sports news has been majoring on Gisele Bundchen’s pit... Read More+

                    Column

                    Harry has won our hearts - and now he can make England proud again

                    Ian Holloway 21:01 11/02/12

                      Harry Redknapp's confession in the witness box that he doesn’t even know how to send an email may ha... Read More+

                      Column

                      Why I can't wait to face Moyes - my tip to replace Fergie - again

                      Ian Holloway 21:00 11/02/12

                        I really miss pitting my wits against the best managers in the Premier League. However, next week I’... Read More+

                        Blog

                        Will Juan Sebastian Veron's football career have a fairytale ending?

                        Mirror Football Blog 18:07 11/02/12

                          For the new season, MirrorFootball is teaming up with some of the blogosphere's best new writers to ... Read More+

                          Blog

                          Tweet my Handshake! The best gags from Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool

                          Football Banter 16:09 11/02/12

                          Manchester United won the match but inevitably this encounter will be remembered more for the antics... Read More+

                          Blog

                          Watch David Beckham's amazing table football trickshot

                          Mirror Football Blog 11:11 11/02/12

                            We all know what David Beckham can do on a real football pitch, but it seems old Goldenballs is pret... Read More+

                            Column

                            Why farcical forced pre-match handshakes should be scrapped

                            Mark Lawrenson 08:01 11/02/12

                              The pre-match handshake is a meaningless farce and should be scrapped. You shake the hand of an oppo... Read More+

                              Column

                              Jose would be perfect for Spurs but Harry could manage England part-time anyway

                              Mark Lawrenson 08:00 11/02/12

                                Jose Mourinho would be the perfect choice for Tottenham. And surely Spurs would be a great fit for h... Read More+

                                Blog

                                What are the odds Suarez and Evra swap shirts at the final whistle? Derek McGovern's Bets of the Day

                                Betting Blog 22:00 10/02/12

                                The FA reckon Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra should shake hands when they come face to face on Saturda... Read More+

                                Who should be England's next manager?

                                Blogs & Categories