Michael Owen has hailed Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin after his latest performance, surprised Manchester United have not considered a move for the striker.
Leeds thrashed Newcastle United at Elland Road on Monday night with Calvert-Lewin on the score sheet in the 4-1 victory, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd when he came off.
Former England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carrgaher described him as ‘unplayable’ on the night, tormenting the Newcastle defence and providing another reminder of his qualities with Thomas Tuchel set to announce his latest England squad this week.
The former Everton star has suffered with injury problems throughout his career but demonstrated again against Newcastle how effective he can be when fit.
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The 29-year-old joined Leeds last summer, scoring 15 goals in all competitions in an injury-free campaign under Daniel Farke.
So impressed with his performances, Owen has been left to question why United did not consider him as an option to bolster their forward options.
‘He has always struggled with injuries, but when he is fit, he is a hard man to handle,’ Owen told Premier League Productions.
‘And with the lack of centre-forwards that has been around in recent years, I thought, with all due respect to Leeds, one of the bigger teams might have just taken a chance and had him as the backup.
‘Maybe even a Manchester United.
‘One or two sniffed around him, but Leeds put the money where their mouth was and got him, and he has repaid them.
‘They must be doing something to keep him on the straight and narrow and keep him fit, and he is playing virtually every game, and he has never done it. It’s been a turbulent few years for him but he’s in a different world now, playing all the time and looking dangerous.’
United signed Benjamin Sesko for £74million last summer but for a number of seasons lacked a true alternative option up top.
When Sesko has been left on the bench or been out injured, Michael Carrick has turned to Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha to lead the line.
Teddy Sheringham was one of four centre forwards that starred under Sir Alex Ferguson during the club’s infamous treble season and believes the current squad needs the same level of variety and experience leading the line.
‘Playing one up front is tough. It takes a certain type of player to play that no9 role on their own,’ Sheringham told Metro earlier this year.
‘You have to lead the line, hold the ball up, run in behind, run the channels and score goals, it is a lot.
‘You are getting through all this hard work and you are expected to score goals all on your own out of nothing. The game has changed. I wouldn’t want to be playing that no9 role my own.
‘I think [Sesko] he will be a good player, just not a great player at the moment. Some of his touches and some of his finishes have been really nice, really clever goals. But you need the experience and confidence and without that, it is hard to lead the line.’