Missing 15 first-team players, Sir Alex Ferguson's team pulled off a remarkable victory in Saxony to finish top of Group B and set a new Champions League record of 15 away games without defeat. But the night was all about Owen, who sent a clear message to England manager Fabio Capello, who has only capped the 29-year-old once in his two seasons in charge.A typically modest Owen said: 'Me getting three goals will probably grab the headlines, but it was a great team performance. I was playing deep with us having so many players out and we were trying to protect the back four.'
Owen, who turns 30 next Monday, hopes United will now be handed a favourable tie in the last 16 after progressing as group winners.
'It's great being top so we play at home second,' Owen added.'But I'm not going to lie, you want as weak a side as possible. '[But] if a team's got to first or second in the Champions League, there's no weak sides, although you obviously want to avoid the big boys.'
Manager Ferguson has said already that only consistent performances will get Owen into the England squad and give him a chance to add to his 89 caps.
Last night the United manager said: 'First of all, the most important thing is Manchester United. As he has proved many times, Michael is one of the best strikers around in terms of his positional play and his finishing. ' (Source: Daily Mail)