Former Man Utd player Michael Owen's bizarre response to brutal criticism

Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen has launched a scathing attack on the Daily Mail in response to an article which criticises his performance during an episode of the Match Officials Mic’d Up.

The 89-time England international appeared alongside former Premier League referee Howard Webb in a show which aims to discuss and analyse a number of controversial VAR decisions which have taken place in the top-flight in recent weeks.

During the 25-minute show the pair turned their attention to a key talking point which was Anthony Gordon’s match-winning goal against Arsenal at St James’ Park. The decision to award the goal prompted backlash from manager Mikel Arteta who described the VAR and match officials as a “disgrace.”

The duo also discusses Christian Romero’s sending off for Tottenham against Chelsea, before focusing on Scott McTominay’s goal against Fulham which was chalked off for being offside.

The series, which is shown on TNT Sport, was criticised by the Daily Mail who claimed that Owen failed to properly challenge Webb on many of the referee’s calls.

The article also chose to highlight a number of critical comments which described the show as “a cob out” for Webb whilst also referring to Owen as a “puppet.”

The Ballon d’Or winner responded to the article d in a tweet where he lambasted the Daily Mail.

He tweeted: “You’re just scumbags. Always have been. Trawl through a load of messages until you find a couple of negative ones and then create an article. Most people thought our show was insightful and educational. Which is our aim.”

Owen’s comments have received mixed views on social media. One user tweeted: “I love the show. It gives you a look behind the curtain.”

However, others were less quick to defend Owen and another replied: “The show fails to acknowledge how bad these refs have made the game. There’s no accountability, so what’s the point of it.”