Jason McAteer: 'Michael Owen burnt Liverpool bridges'

Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes that Michael Owen is unlikely to return to Anfield as he has burnt his bridges with the club.

Owen, who is currently a free agent, was one of the fan favourites when he started his career with the Merseysiders and has been linked with a return to the Reds.

However, the striker went on to join Liverpool's fierce rivals Manchester United and McAteer thinks that that move has cost Owen a chance of a return to Anfield.

"I wouldn't take Owen back. I don't know if the love of the game has slightly gone out of him," McAteer told talkSPORT.

"He wasn't great at Man United. He was on the bench a lot, he picked up a few injuries, and he burnt his bridges when he went there.

"He was highly regarded at Anfield, a bit of a legend really, and he sort of took the edge off that with a move to Man United. He needs to look after himself, obviously, and he maybe went there to win things, which he did, but sometimes you don't need to make a move like that."

Liverpool are still in search of their first win in their current Premier League campaign.