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Owen believes there is still life in 4-4-2 yet

Michael Owen is having thoughts about a possible career in management after his playing days are over © Getty Images

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Michael Owen has leapt to the defence of the 4-4-2 system, which has come under fierce criticism following Fabio Capello's insistence on using it in England's dismal World Cup campaign.

The Manchester United striker, who missed the trip to South Africa after picking up an injury in the Carling Cup final, believes that the traditional formation is still possible to employ but admits that players need to adapt to whatever system is used.

"The player I used to be, looking to play off the last man's shoulder, I probably wouldn't be suited to play as a lone striker," he said in The Daily Telegraph.

"Having said that, it's a bit premature to say 4-4-2 is over. Chelsea played 4-5-1 last Sunday. We played 4-4-2 and beat them. You have to have a tweak to it though. You have to watch them. On Sunday that was me sitting on their holding midfielders when they had the ball, trying to even up the numbers in midfield."

The 30-year-old, who scored 118 goals in 216 appearances for Liverpool, realises that he has had to somewhat rein in his normal predatory instincts for the benefit of the team.

"It's adapting to the job required. When you're a kid you just think about where you are going to be to put yourself in a position for the next scoring chance. But as you develop, you start to do things that may not catch the eye of the normal football watcher, the dropping back, the closing down. When you see problems arising, you have to counter their attacks. That's all part of modern football," he said.

Owen may not be first choice at Old Trafford this season, after the additions of Javier Hernandez and Bebe took United's tally in the forward department to seven, and the one-time England goal machine is already contemplating a career in management.

"I never used to think I'd do it," he said. "But the older you get, the more you question the instructions you get, ask yourself why he's said that, what is he trying to produce here, how can I fit into it. As I've got older, I've become more intrigued about formations, tactics, I listen a lot more to the manager's team talk.

"A coach is a bit too behind the scenes for my adrenalin needs. I'd see myself more in the management role."

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