Owen plays down 'big club' label

Michael Owen has attempted to diffuse his remarks that Manchester United are the biggest club in the world ahead of their trip to Liverpool.

The former Real Madrid and Newcastle striker hinted earlier this week that the Old Trafford outfit were the biggest in the world when commenting on how he was settling at the club.

Owen - who spent eight years with Liverpool until 2004, scoring more than 100 goals for the illustrious club - is expected to receive a frosty welcome from Reds fans on 25th October, live on Sky Sports.

The 29-year-old insists he did not set out to offend his formerly-adoring faithful and that the likes of Liverpool are behind United in some areas, but level pegging in others.

Owen, who has recovered from a groin strain, has been back to Anfield as an opposing player for Newcastle and concedes he is looking forward to returning to his old ground.

"I didn't set out to offend anyone," explained the 29-year-old.

"What I said was, in terms of support, revenue and stadium, Man United are probably the biggest in the world but Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are up there with them in other areas.

"In saying that, I'm sure things I've said at different times over the last 20 years will be dredged up and turned into back-page stories over the next two weeks.

"I've been back before with Newcastle a couple of times, so I've played there for an opposing team, but I'm certainly looking forward to this game.

"It will be different, it'll be a bit noisier."

Although United are four points clear of Liverpool in the table, Owen expects the Anfield clash to be keenly contested.

"As usual between United and Liverpool, it'll be a competitive game between two of the world's top teams," he added.

"The teams are more equally matched perhaps than when I went back with Newcastle, so it should be a good game and an exciting day."

The views expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect the views of Liverpool Football Club.