Bale should win Player of the Year - Hargreaves

By Fred Kaweesi

OWEN Hargreaves decided to take a year out of competitive football in the Barclays Premier League after being released by Manchester City.

The idea was to allow him time to contemplate his next career move. 

The alternative career could be in media or coaching and an offer from any of the two Manchester clubs could be welcome —clubs he played for in the twilight of his career and achieved all that a player would dream of.

In this exclusive interview with New Vision Sport, the two-time UEFA Champions League winner, whose promising career was hampered by a catalogue of injuries, opens up on what he thinks of Monday's title-deciding Manchester derby. 

Man United have all but won the Premiership title. How much does it matter to Sir Alex Ferguson to actually seal the championship during the Manchester derby on Monday?

It matters a lot. All derby games do to Ferguson. It will be such a big game for the club, the fans, the coaches and the players. 

When City won the title last season, it must have been hard on United. So I would understand why they would want it back with a win against their rivals. 

How does Ferguson prepare his teams for big games like these? Does it in anyway differ from the way he handles the team for what you might call the small games?

He prepares for the big games well in advance, like four games before the big game. When it gets to the game, he makes sure he plays his best possible team. 

Give us a picture of what life is like in Manchester on derby day?

It’s quiet in the outside areas of Manchester but high in the city centre where all talk is about the game. The city comes to life when such big games come around. The fans feel it just like the players. 

Did you expect United to immediately bounce back to the league title and with so much ease? 

I knew they had the potential to do so. They signed Robin Van Persie, who has had such a big impact. So United were stronger and got better with the season while City faltered as the season went on.

Conversely, are you surprised City have failed to put up a sterner defence of the league?

Owen: Everyone must have been surprised. With the team they have, no one could have imagined City falling 15 points behind the leaders United at this stage. 

Is Roberto Mancini largely to blame for City’s arguably poor league showing or is it just harder to defend it?

It’s not just about the manager. The players have not performed to expectation. They have not scored as many goals as they did last season.

I would like to see if Mancini will still be the manager next season because some people are already talking of a change. 

On a lighter note, can we safely conclude that you will be rooting for City in this one or do you think it is better for the league to go back and forth between the two teams?

I will just enjoy the football. I am sure it will be a good game. I will not be rooting for any of the two. 

What do you make of the speculation about Wayne Rooney’s future at United, which was provoked by Ferguson’s decision to drop him for the Champions League return leg against Real Madrid? 

I don’t think Rooney will go anywhere. I think he is at home; he is where he is supposed to be. He loves the club, the city, so I think he will stay at United.

Who has been your best player of the season?

IT has to be Gareth Bale. He has shown everything, pace and power. He has been a lot similar to Cristiano Ronaldo in influencing games. 

All three English clubs in Europe are in Europa and not the Champions League. Any concern?

I am sure all would have wanted to be in the Champions League but the Europa is just as exciting. Its growing every year and it’s a good opportunity for some teams like Tottenham, Newcastle to win it.

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