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The one and Owenly?

Manchester United only signed Michael Owen after missing out on Karim Benzema… who opted to join Real Madrid

Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped to land the French star from Lyon in 2009 but were forced to turn to the then-Newcastle forward

MANCHESTER UNITED only signed Michael Owen after missing out on Karim Benzema... who instead opted to join Real Madrid in 2009.

Sir Alex Ferguson had been hoping to land the French star from Lyon all summer.

Michael Owen has Karim Benzema to thank for his 2009 move to Man United
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Michael Owen has Karim Benzema to thank for his 2009 move to Man UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

Now, former Liverpool star Owen has revealed he begged Benzema to join Los Blancos, as he knew he'd be moving to Old Trafford if the France international went to Spain.

Owen told French TV channel Canal+: "I've got a lot to thank him [Benzema] for.

"He might not know, but I wouldn't have gone to Manchester United if it wasn't for Benzema.

"I think Manchester United wanted to buy Benzema... and he chose Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema chose Real Madrid over Man United in the summer of 2009
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Karim Benzema chose Real Madrid over Man United in the summer of 2009Credit: Rex Features

"I was told by Sir Alex Ferguson, 'We want Benzema, but if Benzema doesn't come, then you're coming'.

"I was pleading with Benzema to go to Real Madrid.


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"So thank you, to him."

Owen - who won the Ballon d'Or in 2001 - only left Liverpool in 2004 having spent his whole youth and senior career at Anfield to join Real Madrid.

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Michael Owen was on the books of Newcastle when approached by Man United
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Michael Owen was on the books of Newcastle when approached by Man UnitedCredit: The Times
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Following one season at the Nou Camp, the 89-cap England international moved to Newcastle where he spent a further four years.

That's when he got the call from Fergie to move to Old Trafford - and took over the famous No7 shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Real that same summer.

While he only scored five times in 31 Premier League games during his three seasons at the club, he did score one of United's more famous goals in recent memory.

Karim Benzema was at French side Lyon when both United and Real came knocking
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Karim Benzema was at French side Lyon when United and Real came knockingCredit: EPA
Sir Alex Ferguson looked to Karim Benzema and Michael Owen after losing Cristiano Ronaldo to La Liga giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2009
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Sir Alex Ferguson looked to Karim Benzema and Michael Owen after losing Cristiano Ronaldo to La Liga giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2009Credit: PA:Press Association

Owen struck in the 96th-minute of a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester City - meaning he netted in FOUR huge derbies, including the Merseyside, Tyne-Wear and El Clasico clashes.

The ex-football star is now turning his attention to horse racing, after winding down his career at Stoke in 2012-13.

In fact, Owen is set to make his racing debut at Ascot on November 24... but doesn't appear to be doing all that well in practice, falling off his horse TWICE.

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