Youtube to Etihad... fair play to Owen Hargreaves, regardless of Manchester divide!

Sir Alex has showed a lot of faith in Hargreaves, but called time on his stay at Man Utd in May 2011.

Listening to @talksportdrive yesterday reminded me how fickle some football fans can be towards Managers, Players and Chairman etc. In this particular case Owen Hargreaves was the focus of discussion from many fans (in particular Man Utd fans). As transfer deadline day ticks down it looks very likely that Owen Hargreaves will join Roberto Mancini's Manchester City side, having ben photographed at the hospital where Man City put players through a medical.

Hargreaves moved to Man Utd five years ago (May 2007) from German side Bayern Munich and he endured another injury-plagued chapter of his professional career. During this time however, Sir Alex Ferguson and Man Utd as a club showed an incredible amount of faith in Hargreaves, paying him wages through extensive rehabilitation work for repeated knee injuries including Tendonitis. During his time at Man Utd Hargreaves made a total of 27 appearances (until May 2011). 

What Hargreaves has become notorious for however is the fact that he has posted Video's on Youtube of himself in training since his release from Man Utd. Hargreaves posted a host of video's to Youtube in order to demonstrate his determination to return to football at the top level with a bang! Below is an example of the kind of video Hargreaves has been uploading through the close-season.

What really irritates me however is the fact that United fans have been calling into shows like TalkSport and venting pure anger towards Hargreaves possible move! Granted, United did pay his wages and stick with him during the lowest points of his career, but lets not even start to think that this is some sort of Man Utd legend we're talking about here! 27 appearances in five years does not quite make it the same as if someone like Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs had made the move across the city! Adrian Durham on TalkSport was also irritatingly blunt towards the move, suggesting that Hargreaves is showing a real lack of respect towards Man Utd by making the move.

I am of the opinion that Hargreaves has worked hard (and continues to work hard) to resurrect a career that is practically in tatters (at least until now). Reportedly he offererd to play for Man Utd during the coming season for free, with Sir Alex refusing this offer. Having also had offers from the likes of Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion it seems that Hargreaves will now opt for Man City on what is likely to be a play and pay basis. Patrick Viera has now retired and City are certain to lose Yaya Toure for most of January due to the African Cup of Nations; so their may be some place for Hargreaves amongst the City elite in the months to come. 

Whether or not Hargreaves will ever make his way back into the England fold is another issue. I am sure that given his frustrating injury-plagued past he is taking one step at a time. At the age of 30 it is not beyond the realm of possibility that he could be involved in the England setup before Fabio Capello departs. Some big away days face Hargreaves if he is to force his way into the City side, including an October visit to Old Trafford and a November trip to Bayern Munich!

DH