Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher feels that the manner of Michael Owen's exit from the club and signing for rivals Manchester United ruined his reputation with Reds supporters.

Owen left the Merseysiders in 2004 after spending 13 years with the club to join Real Madrid, to the annoyance of supporters. They were left further aggrieved when he joined bitter rivals United in 2009.

Carragher said in his column in the Daily Mail: "The way he left Liverpool had saddened Michael and he wanted the opportunity to redeem himself.

"I sent Rafa Benitez a message explaining what Liverpool could get on a free transfer but Benitez instead went out and bought David Ngog.

"Joining Manchester United was a mistake. It ruined any chance of him repairing things with Liverpool fans and it's safe to say United supporters never really took to him despite his famous winner against Manchester City."

Owen has decided to call time on his career at the end of the season after 17 years in the game.